The world-conquering Big Joanie scooped the 2023 LOUD WOMEN Hercury Prize last night for their album ‘Back Home’.

Released in November 2022 on Kill Rock Stars, the band’s powerful second album sees Big Joanie adding synth-pop exploration to their trademark distorted grunge sound, and musing on the concept of ‘home’ in its many senses. In an interview for the LOUD WOMEN Radio show back in March, Stephanie Phillips talked about the significance of the phrase ‘back home’ with regard to immigration and racism.

The prize was announced last night in LOUD WOMEN HQ (aka Cassie Fox’s kitchen) in a “DIY but glittery” ceremony, broadcast on LOUD WOMEN’s socials, and the award was accepted via, let’s call it, video link up with Stephanie Phillips.

Previous winners of the Hercury Prize: The Menstrual Cramps (2017), ILL (2018), Dream Nails (2019), Nova Twins (2020), Lilith Ai (2021) and Petrol Girls (2022).

Congratulations to Big Joanie, and to all of the shortlisted artists. Check out the full list on this playlist: