Award winning corto.alto is named one of BBC 6 Music’s Artists of the Year 2026

corto.alto – AKA multi-instrumentalist producer, composer and performer Liam Shortall has had a big few years; his debut album ‘Bad With Names’ being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize (2024), it also won ‘Best Album’ at the Scottish Jazz Awards and he was awarded AIM Award for Breakthrough Artist in 2025 and both the UK Jazz Act of the Year and The Innovation Award at the Jazz FM Awards (2025).

Now he has been named one of BBC 6 Music’s Artists of the Year 2026!

‘The list represents the biggest music moments and breakthroughs from the last year, featuring 13 artists who defined the year through innovation, creativity, and cultural impact.’
The artists are: Beabadoobee, Charli xcx, The Cure, Corto.alto, Erykah Badu, Fontaines D.C., Madra Salach, Mandy, Indiana, Phoebe Bridgers, Robyn, Show Me The Body and Shygirl.

The shortlist was announced the day after corto.alto featured on Later…with Jools Holland

You can see corto.alto at Epic Studios on Tues 24 November 2026