English Teacher beat the favourite Charli XCX to the 2024 Mercury Prize, the award dedicated to albums released in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was established in 1992 and is judged by a panel of artists and industry insiders. It is a prestigious recognition that often goes to the right album at the right time. The album of the year is therefore This Could Be Texas who not only beat Bratbut also the quoted one Prelude to Ecstasy of the Last Dinner Parties and Lives Outgrown by Beth Gibbons, among others.
It was not an easy choice, say the judges, “with 12 albums that reflected the variety and richness of our musical landscape. In each of them there was passion and enthusiasm. Among all, This Could Be Texas by English Teacher stood out for its originality and personality. The lyrics are a winning mix of surrealism and social analysis, the music is innovative without heaviness, and a fresh approach to guitar music. This Could Be Texas reveals new things with every listen and is typical of future classics.”
In addition to those mentioned, the other artists nominated in the album of the year category were Barry Can't Swim, Berwyn, Cat Burns, Cmat, Corinne Bailey Rae, Corto.alto, Ghetts, Nia Archives.
Formed at Leeds Conservatoire in 2020, led by singer Lily Fontaine with Lewis Whiting, Douglas Frost and Nicholas Eden, English Teacher have a grassroots success story. In addition to the award and their reputation as an emerging band to watch, they took home £25,000.
Last year's winners were Ezra Collective, in 2022 Little Simz, in 2021 Arlo Parks, in 2020 Michael Kiwanuka. Previous winners include James Blake, Alt-J, PJ Harvey (twice), Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Pulp, Portishead.
