Episode 2: Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean
Matt Everitt profiles each of the 12 shortlisted albums.
In the run-up to BBC Radio 6 Music’s live coverage of the 2026 Mercury Prize Award Show, which takes place on Thursday 22 October at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, Matt Everitt presents 2026 Mercury Prize, Pocket Guides.
Across three episodes (Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st October, 11pm-12am), Matt will profile each of the 12 shortlisted albums – four per episode. The programmes will feature archive interviews and more.
Tonight's episode dives into A Great Day In Newcastle by Knats, Don't Look Down by Kojey Radical, Emotional Junglist by Nia Archives and The Art of Loving by and Olivia Dean. There's also a new interview with Nia Archives about what it means to be nominated for a Mercury Prize.
Monday's episode explored The Boy Who Played the Harp by Dave, Blizzard by Dove Ellis, Everybody Scream by Florence + The Machine and THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! by JADE.
Wednesday’s episode features The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. by RAYE, Antidepressants by Suede and War Child Records’ HELP(2).
Last on
Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
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Knats
7 Bridges To Burn
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Knats
Wor Jackie
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Knats
Gainsborough Grove
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Kojey Radical
Rotation
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Kojey Radical
Everyday
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Kojey Radical
Expensive (feat. Planet Giza)
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Nia Archives
Feelingz Go Numb
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Nia Archives
This Could Be
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Nia Archives
Superlust
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Olivia Dean
Nice To Each Other
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Olivia Dean
So Easy (To Fall In Love)
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Olivia Dean
Man I Need
Broadcast
- Yesterday 23:00BBC Radio 6 Music