Charli XCX and Beth Gibbons Nominated for Mercury Prize

The summer of "Brat" is marked by Charli XCX's bold new album, which has earned a spot among the 12 nominees for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Notably, Beth Gibbons, known for her work with Portishead, is also nominated for her debut solo album, *Lives Outgrown*, nearly three decades after winning the award with her band. The previous year saw a historic win for jazz, with London’s Ezra Collective taking home the prize for their album, *Where I'm Meant To Be*. Among the nominated albums, only The Last Dinner Party's *Prelude To Ecstasy* has achieved significant commercial success, earning a silver disc for selling over 60,000 copies in the UK. Charli XCX expressed her desire for her album to encapsulate the experiences of being in one’s early 20s, stating that the songs came to her naturally. Critics have praised her work as "imperious and cool," highlighting its nuanced and vulnerable nature. Corinne Bailey Rae, known for her hit "Put Your Records On," reflects on her evolution as an artist since her 2006 breakthrough. She emphasizes her shift in perspective, focusing on artistry rather than merely producing pop hits. Meanwhile, Lily Fontaine, the lead singer of her band, describes their debut album as a journey that feels both expansive and familiar, likening it to a cosmic experience rooted in everyday life. The diverse musical landscape of this year's nominees showcases a blend of genres, with artists exploring new sounds and personal narratives, further enriching the Mercury Prize's legacy.