EDINBURGH band Young Fathers have been nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for their 2023 album Heavy Heavy.
It comes nine years after they picked up the same award for their critically acclaimed debut Dead.
Viewed by many as one of the best live bands in the UK, the group was formed by Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole and Graham Hastings.
They’ll be up against the Arctic Monkeys, J Hus, Fred Again, Jessie Ware and Loyle Carner for the award.
Also included on the 12-strong shortlist are Ezra Collective, contemporary Irish folk band Lankum, singers Olivia Dean and RAYE, and DJ/rapper Shygirl.
Completing the list are indie-pop duo Jockstrap, nominated for debut album I Love You Jennifer B which contains a track titled Glasgow.
Young Fathers are one of the headline acts at this year’s Connect Festival, taking place at Ingliston near Edinburgh on August 25 before embarking on a two-month tour of the US and Canada.
The Arctic Monkeys have emerged as the early favourites to win the award for their seventh album The Car.
This is the band’s fifth nomination, a feat matched only by Radiohead.
The nomination list in full:
- Arctic Monkeys: The Car
- Ezra Collective: Where I'm Meant to Be
- Fred Again: Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9 2022)
- J Hus: Beautiful And Brutal Yard
- Jessie Ware: That! Feels Good!
- Jockstrap: I Love You Jennifer B
- Lankum: False Lankum
- Loyle Carner: hugo
- Olivia Dean: Messy
- RAYE: My 21st Century Blues
- Shygirl: Nymph
- Young Fathers: Heavy Heavy
