Nationwide Mercury Prize launches music portal

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 27-May-08, 12:55

LONDON - The Nationwide Mercury Prize has launched an music portal to keep fans up to date on the latest albums, videos, tracks and live music that it recommends.

The music information microsite, called Nationwide Mercury Prize Recommends, is part of the existing nationwidemercury.com platform.

It will cover established and up-and-coming acts, provide tips on new music from around the world and showcase "must see" digital content.

Dan Ford, head of sponsorship at Nationwide Mercury Prize, said: "We are really pleased that the introduction of Nationwide Mercury Prize Recommends has enabled us to extend the Prize's recommendation in this way. It's great that we can offer music fans some hot tips on what's happening in music on a more regular basis."

Chris Hull, head of sponsorship at Nationwide, said: "We are incredibly excited at providing this additional service for music fans through our sponsorship of the Nationwide Mercury Prize. Nationwide Mercury Prize Recommends will give music lovers a compelling and evolving list of albums, videos, tracks and live music to follow."

The Nationwide Mecury Music Prize exists to champion UK music by promoting the 12 albums of the year by British or Irish artists. The 12 albums are announced in July each year, with the overall winner decided on the night of the awards show in September.

Last year, Klaxons won with their album 'Myths of the Near Future' beating previous winners Arctic Monkeys, who won in in 2006 with their album 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. Dizzee Rascal, who also made the shortlist last year, took home the prize in 2003 for his album 'Boy in Da Corner'.