Mercury Music Prize nominees Metronomy have told Spinner they believe the placing of Adele on this year’s shortlist is needless, as the multi-platinum selling artist would find the winner’s cheque and extra publicity ‘useless’.
The Mercury Prize has a reputation for providing a mainstream boost to an artist or band whom have enjoyed widespread cricial acclaim without necessarily turning that praise into geniune commerical success.
However, Metronomy member Joseph Mount has said this key aim would be lost on Adele were she to be deemed the winner by this year’s panel of judges.
“They made this thing to help give coverage to bands or acts that were deserving of it but weren’t getting it,” he explained. “Adele obviously has to be included, because she’s having this incredible year. But the award for her is totally useless. You win £20,000 and you get loads of publicity.”
“She really doesn’t need it. She might be deserving of it. If no one had heard of her then she would be the perfect person to give it to, but everyone’s heard of her. The idea is that you give it to a band or an act that really needs the coverage, and maybe needs the money as well.”
Metronomy have been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize thanks to their third studio album ‘The English Riviera‘, while PJ Harvey remains the favourite to take home the award.
Read the band’s full interview with Spinner here.