POLYDOR RULES MERCURY
PRIZE SHORTLIST

The 12 albums nominated for Blighty’s highbrow Hyundai Mercury Prize (note the new sponsor) have been revealed, with UMG U.K. imprint Polydor boasting the most entries.

From the Polydor camp are Jamie Woon’s Making Time, Michael Kiwanuka’s Love and Hate and The 1975’s I Like It When You Sleep… (licensed to Polydor, but released through indie Dirty Hit).

Newly named Polydor co-President Ben Mortimer, said, “The success of all these artists, both here and internationally, shows that British music continues to excite and thrive. The accolades should obviously lie with the artists and the special music they have created but if there's one thing we can be proud of as a label, it’s that all of these are second albums. Polydor, and our partner labels such as Dirty Hit, are committed to taking time when needed, and truly allowing our artists to develop.”

WMG U.K.’s Parlophone, helmed by Miles Leonard, has two entries with Kano’s Made In the Manor and Bat for Lashes’ The Bride (an album that’s licensed to the label but owned and A&R’d by BMG).

Sony U.K. also has two entries, both from Colin Barlow’s RCA, in David Bowie’s swansong Blackstar and Laura Mvula’s The Dreaming Room.

Over in the independent sector, Richard Russell’s XL has Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool, and Chris Lombardi’s Matador gets a nod with Savages’ Adore Life (kudos goes to U.K. GM Natalie Judge, who signed the band).

Geoff Travis’ Rough Trade has Anohni’s Hopelessness, with the remaining contenders Skepta’s Konnichiwa (released via his own Boy Better Know) and an entry from Yorkshire imprint The Leaf Label, led by Tony Morley, in The Comet Is Coming’s Channel The Spirits. The winners will be revealed 9/15.