Three London Ladies Nominated for Mercury Prize

The nominees for the Mercury Prize -an awards ceremony synonymous with prestige and coolness – have been announced today. Among the delighted nominees were three female Londoners; Florence Welch, Elly Jackson and Debelle .

Beyond the £20,000 prize it is also thought that the Mercury Prize often leads to notoriety and a massive increase in album sales. This was the case for Manchester band Elbow, though the same cannot be said for 1997 Roni Size, who, after receiving the award, vanished into virtual career oblivion.

The prize is notorious for awarding the outside chance instead of the artist who is widely though of as the favourite. So this year’s firmly established favourite Kasabian, the four piece indie band, whose sound resonates notes of Manchester bands Oasis and The Stone Roses, better watch out.

Hosted by industry patriarch, Jools Holland, the winners will be announced at a lavish awards ceremony on 8th of September and will be televised live on BBC 2.

Mercury 2009 shortlist
The Invisible – The Invisible
Led Bib – Sensible Shoes
Sweet Billy Pilgrim – Twice Born Men
Speech Debelle – Speech Therapy Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
The Horrors – Primary Colours
Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires
Glasvegas – Glasvegas
La Roux – La Roux
Florence And The Machine – Lungs
Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
Lisa Hannigan – Sea Sew