Wolf Alice has entered the history books of the Mercury Prize by becoming the first act ever to receive nominations for each of its first four albums. The London-based quartet, which lifted the award in 2018 for Visions of a Life, is recognised this year for The Clearing, a record that draws heavily on the harmonies and textures of 1970s soft rock.
The nomination marks a unique achievement in the award’s 34-year history and underlines the band’s influence across the British alternative scene. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell admitted the milestone made her feel “really anxious” but also said she was “very grateful and happy” to be shortlisted again. Guitarist Joff Oddie added that the recognition emphasises the importance of celebrating left-field and alternative voices in the music industry.
Highlighting a large variety of genres and generations, the Mercury Prize 2025 shortlist delivers acts ranging from new viral stars to seasoned veterans.
At 84 years old, folk musician Martin Carthy has become the oldest nominee in the prize’s history with his album Transform Me Then Into A Fish. Speaking to the BBC, Carthy described the honour as a “fabulous privilege” and said he was relishing every second of the recognition, which comes six decades after his debut release.
In contrast, pop phenomenon PinkPantheress has secured what is thought to be the shortest-ever Mercury-nominated project. Her adrenaline-charged mixtape, Fancy That runs for just 20 minutes and 33 seconds but has been praised for its sharp pop sensibility and cultural impact.
Fellow past winners Pulp are also among the nominees with More, their first album in 24 years. The Sheffield icons, who last won the Mercury in the 1990s, return with a record that bridges nostalgia and contemporary commentary.
Local favourite Sam Fender will enjoy home support at this year’s ceremony. Nominated for his third album, People Watching, Fender brings his anthemic brand of rock back to Newcastle, where the event will be held for the first time. Organisers made a conscious effort to address long-standing criticism that the prize had become too London-centric by moving to the Utilita Arena.
The 2025 shortlist reflects the wide scope of modern British and Irish music. Irish band Fontaines DC received recognition for Romance, their fourth record, described as menacing yet beautiful. Fellow Irish artist CMAT achieved her second consecutive nomination with Euro-Country, praised for its humour and vulnerability.
From Scotland, newcomer Jacob Alon earned a place for their debut, In Limerence, a collection of delicate ballads.
Welsh jazz musician Joe Webb is also in contention for Hamstrings and Hurricanes, which blends Britpop influences with traditional Welsh sounds. Multi-instrumentalist Emma-Jean Thackray was shortlisted for Weirdo, an album conceived in the midst of personal grief, while alt-pop visionary FKA Twigs gained recognition for Eusexua, a concept record based on the dissolution of self-consciousness.
Rapper Pa Salieu, representing Coventry, also made the list with Afrikan Alien, a project that takes on themes of identity and diaspora through hard-hitting lyricism.
Since it was initially established in 1992, when Primal Scream won the inaugural award for Screamadelica, the Mercury has prided itself on celebrating boundary-pushing work outside the mainstream. Worth £25,000, the prize is considered one of the most prestigious in British and Irish music, offering a spotlight that can transform the careers of nominees.
Jo Twist, CEO of the British Phonographic Industry, praised the “eclectic mix of genres” on this year’s list and the diversity of artists, from those with decades-long careers to those just beginning their journeys.
Last year’s winners, Leeds rock band English Teacher, became the first group from outside London to claim the award in a decade. Their victory demonstrated the value of geographical diversity—a theme continued this year with the decision to move the ceremony north.
The 2025 Mercury Prize ceremony will take place on 16 October at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. With the Northeast now in the spotlight, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most significant editions of the award to date.
