In a surprising turn of events, the Mercury Prize has included folk legend Martin Carthy‘s latest album, “Transform Me Then Into A Fish,” on its 2025 shortlist. This announcement, made today, marks the 84-year-old musician as the oldest artist ever nominated for this prestigious award.
The nomination is a testament to Carthy’s enduring influence and the timeless quality of his music. As one of Britain’s most influential folk musicians, his distinctive guitar style and deep commitment to traditional music were key to the 1960s folk revival, famously influencing artists like Paul Simon. Throughout his six-decade career, Carthy has collaborated with a who’s who of British folk, including Dave Swarbrick, Steeleye Span, and The Watersons.
“Transform Me Then Into A Fish” is more than just a musical retrospective; it’s a reaffirmation of Carthy’s status as a living legend and a vital force in the folk genre. The album, which also features contributions from his daughter, the acclaimed folk artist Eliza Carthy, and Sheema Mukherjee, who also performed alongside Martin and Eliza in the much-missed Imagined Village, bridges the past and present, offering both longtime listeners and new audiences a chance to rediscover the magic of his music.
The Mercury Prize, which celebrates the best British and Irish albums of the year, also features a comeback album from Pulp, the latest record from Wolf Alice, and new music from Sam Fender and PinkPantheress. The winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize will be announced at a ceremony on October 16th, held for the first time outside of London in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.