Mercury Prize Nomination Preview: Who Will Get The Nod?

“The Barclaycard Mercury prize 2012 albums of the year will be revealed at 5.30pm on Wednesday (12 September, 2012) The announcement, made by presenter and broadcaster Lauren Laverne, will be hosted at The Hospital Club in London's Covent Garden," according to The Guardian. Contactmusic.com is here to preview the names that might make the prestigious list.

Album sales are reaching all time lows, advertising and gigs remain the biggest source of income for bands, yet the lure of music awards still remains strong, and British and Irish bands will be eagerly awaiting the 5.30pm announcement of the 12-strong shortlist for the Mercury Prize. British psychedelic quartet Django Django are one of the favourites to be nominated; their debut album (self titled) was a critical success, receiving positive reviews from The Guardian, NME and Tuppance Magazine. They will face stiff competition from Alt J, who are not only tipped for a nomination, but could be in with a shout for the main prize. Neither band has been previously selected, but someone that has – Richard Hawley - is also mooted for inclusion. Other acts tipped for recognition are Kate Bush and Jessie Ware.

The Mercury Prize is renowned for the variety of acts it recognises, with jazz and folk performers often rubbing shoulders with nominees from the worlds of rock, hip-hop and dance. The winner would normally be announced in early September, but the revamp of the events - having undergone a shake-up due to a new TV deal with Channel 4 - mean the ceremony moves to November.