The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize, the ‘Scandinavian Mercury’, has revealed its 12-strong shortlist for Best Nordic Album Of The Year.
The prize was initiated by by:Larm and introduced in 2010. Since then Jónsi (ICE), Goran Kajfes (SE), First Aid Kit (SE), and most recently The Knife (SE) have won the title.
At by:Larm in March, the award will return to give one of the 12 nominated albums the honour of being labelled the Nordic Album of the Year.
The nominated albums for Phonofile Nordic Music Prize 2014 are:
- Emilie Nicolas (NO) – Like I’m a Warrior
- Gracias (FI) – Elengi
- Iceage (DK) – Plowing Into the Field of Love
- Lorentz (SE) – Kärlekslåtar
- Lykke Li (SE) – I Never Learn
- Neneh Cherry (SE) – Blank Project
- Mirel Wagner (FI) – When the Cellar Children See the Light of Day
- MØ (DK) – No Mythologies to Follow
- Pink Street Boys (ICE) – Trash From the Boys
- Prinspóló (ICE) – Sorrí
- Selvhenter (DK) – Motions of Large Bodies
- Todd Terje (NO) – It’s Album Time
A Nordic jury consisting of Ralf Christensen (DK), Niklas Elmér (SE), Ilkka Mattila (FIN), Audun Vinger (NO) and Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen (ICE) had the task of narrowing 25 albums down to the 12 stated nominated. The jury find the 12 nominated albums particular strong.
They said in a statement: “Even though the climate can be cold, the Nordic countries have for a long time been a “hotbed” for musical innovation and progressive stance regarding popular music. The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize, established in 2010, has sought to mirror this ever-evolving scene and this year is no exception. “Scandi-pop” has certainly some common, if unintelligible, features but it’s the variety of modern music making in that one region that continues to dazzle.
“This year, for instance, we have a female five piece from Denmark that specializes in noise-led, experimental brass music, ethereal neo-pop from Norway sung by alluring, icy songstress, down and dirty scuzz-rock from Iceland, urban hip-hop from Finland and avant-pop from the eternally iconoclastic Neneh Cherry. The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize has room for both youngbloods and established acts but most importantly, it’s the first stop for anyone interested in the most happening sounds in Scandinavia today.
“May the Nordic aura embrace your souls!”
Erik Brataas of Phonofile added: “Phonofile is excited about the opportunity to collaborate more closely with by:Larm in developing Phonofile Nordic Music Prize as the most prestigious reward for the broader Nordic music industry. The quality of artistic creativity, diversity and production in the Nordic region is outright impressive. Phonofile’s ambition with Phonofile Nordic Music Prize is to actively participate in developing the industry in the Nordics. We are looking forward to further develop the Phonofile Nordic Music Prize in the coming years together with by:Larm, Music Norway and GramArt.”Music Business Worldwide
