The Mercury Prize Awards took place in London on Friday night, with Benjamin Clementine dedicating his win to the still-reeling city of Paris after in the wake of the terror attacks.
Twelve acts were shortlisted for the accolade, which was announced at London’s BBC Broadcasting House – and the nominees opened up on the red carpet about what a nomination means to them.
Nominee Ghostpoet explained: “It opens doors. Again, there’s so many doors that can open in this game. And it will hopefully open a few more doors from being nominated again.
Bridie Monds Watson, known as SOAK, said: “Just to be on the shortlist is something I never saw coming at all… it’s just a bit surreal.”
Host Lauren Laverne said: “I think for an up-and-coming artist it’s a chance to spotlight their work and bring it to new audiences, and I think for an established artist it’s a chance to see them judged on their own creative merits.”
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