# Knats express surprise at Mercury Prize shortlist nomination

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/knats-react-to-absolutely-mental-mercury-prize-nomination/
- Published: 2026-07-30T12:03:10+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-30T18:13:07+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/knats-absolutely-mental-mercury-prize-nomination/
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Knats were surprised by their Mercury Prize shortlist nomination.
- Their debut album blends jazz, hip-hop, soul and electronic music.
- The prize recognises leading British and Irish albums.

## Summary

Newcastle jazz group Knats said their Mercury Prize shortlist nomination felt “absolutely mental”, expressing surprise at the recognition for their debut album. The nomination is significant because it places the band among the year’s leading British and Irish recording artists and may introduce their music to a wider audience.

Knats were shortlisted for their self-titled debut, which blends jazz with hip-hop, soul and electronic influences. The Mercury Prize is an annual award for outstanding albums by British or Irish artists, with 12 records typically selected for its shortlist.

## Coverage

- [Far Out: Knats express surprise at Mercury Prize shortlist nomination](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/knats-absolutely-mental-mercury-prize-nomination/)
- [NME: Music fans react to Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist](https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-fans-react-to-mercury-prize-2026-shortlist-3959813?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-fans-react-to-mercury-prize-2026-shortlist)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.