Wolf Alice Make History with Fourth Consecutive Nomination at Mercury Prize 2025

Historic Fourth Nomination

British band Wolf Alice have made history at the Mercury Prize 2025, becoming the first act in the award’s 34-year history to earn nominations for all of their first four albums. The quartet, who won in 2018 for Visions of a Life, secured their latest nod for The Clearing, an album inspired by the mellow sounds of 1970s soft rock. Speaking to the BBC, singer Ellie Rowsell called the achievement “amazing” but admitted it also made her “anxious.” Guitarist Joff Oddie praised the prize for shining a spotlight on alternative music and said the band felt “honoured” to be part of it again.

Diverse Line-Up Across the UK and Ireland

The Mercury Prize 2025 shortlist highlights a wide range of talent from across the UK and Ireland. Former winners Pulp return with More, their first album in 24 years. At 84, folk legend Martin Carthy becomes the oldest ever nominee. Meanwhile, viral pop star PinkPantheress makes history at the other end of the spectrum with Fancy That—a 20-minute, 33-second mixtape believed to be the shortest album ever nominated.

Regional Shift to Newcastle

For the first time, the ceremony will take place in Newcastle on 16 October, moving away from its traditional London venue. Organisers say the change responds to criticism that the prize had become too London-centric. Last year’s winners, Leeds-based rock group English Teacher, were the first act from outside the capital to lift the trophy in a decade. This year’s shortlist contains only one London act—Wolf Alice—reflecting a shift towards regional representation.

Rising Stars and Fan Favourites

Sam Fender, another hometown favourite, is nominated for his third album People Watching, a potent rock record that has resonated with fans. Welsh jazz musician Joe Webb blends his country’s musical heritage with Britpop influences on Hamstrings and Hurricanes. Scotland’s Jacob Alon earns recognition for the fragile ballads of their debut album In Limerence.

The Irish contingent is equally strong. Rock band Fontaines DC are shortlisted for the menacingly beautiful Romance. Singer-songwriter CMAT receives her second consecutive nomination for Euro-Country, praised for its wit, vulnerability, and sharply observed lyrics.

Experimental and Emotional Projects

Alt-pop star FKA Twigs appears with Eusexua, a concept album about losing self-consciousness. Multi-instrumentalist Emma-Jean Thackray’s Weirdo channels grief into musical catharsis, while Coventry rapper Pa Salieu explores identity and heritage on Afrikan Alien.

Notable Omissions and Full Coverage

Despite rave reviews, albums by Little Simz, Ezra Collective, Self Esteem, and The Cure did not make the final cut. The Mercury Prize 2025 ceremony will be broadcast across BBC television, BBC Sounds, Radio 6 Music, and BBC News, giving audiences a full view of one of Britain and Ireland’s most prestigious music awards.