Alt-J: 'Mercury Prize nomination would be incredible'
Award favourites say they are trying not to think about it too much
- Alt-J 'An Awesome Wave' - 6/4
Tags: Alt-J
Alt-J have spoken about their chances of gaining a Mercury Music Prize nomination this year.
Their 2012 debut album 'An Awesome Wave' has been picking up rave reviews for its unique folk-meets-drum 'n' bass sound.
As a result, bookmakers Paddy Power have named Alt-J as the favourites to win the prize with odds slashed to 4/6.
But speaking to BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat, the Cambridge-based four piece say they are trying not thinking about a potential nomination too much.
"It's in the back of our minds but we're not thinking about it," bassist Gwil Sainsbury said backstage at Leeds Festival this weekend.
Keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton jokingly added: "That would be it. I could leave the band with a Mercury nomination."
He continued: "Not many albums get nominated compared to the number which come out. It would be incredible."
Bright Light Bright Light is second favourite at 6/1, with Sweet Billy Pilgrim, Django Django, Richard Hawley, Florence & The Machine and The Maccabees all joint third favourites at 12/1.
Nominees for the 2012 Mercury Music Prize will be announced on Wednesday 12 September, with the winner announced at the final ceremony on Thursday 1 November.
Below: who else is being tipped for a Mercury nomination?
