The Mercury Music Award shortlist for 2014 has been announced and it shows a diverse collection of albums from established and new artists.

Blur’s Damon Albarn, poet and rapper Kate Tempest, alt-R&B singer FKA Twigs, electro-funk duo Jungle, Bombay Bicycle Club, Anna Calvi,  Gogo Penguin, Polar Bear, Royal Blood, East India Youth and Young Fathers are all up for the £20,000 prize

The Award winner will be announced on 29th October.

Haven’t heard of any of the shortlisted artists? Royal Blood have just had a number one album we are familiar with Damon Albarn (from Blur and the Gorillaz) Kate Tempest and Bombay Bicycle Club. Other than that we are completely clueless and are nipping over to Spotify to give them a listen now. Trust us, once you start listening you will recognise a few of these artists! We will keep you updated with our favourites.