Leeds indie rock band English Teacher has taken home the prestigious 2024 Mercury Prize for their debut album, ‘This Could Be Texas’. The award, presented at a ceremony held on September 5th at Abbey Road Studios, recognizes the UK and Ireland’s Album of the Year. The band was chosen from a pool of 12 nominees, including notable acts like Charli XCX and The Last Dinner Party, by a panel of judges comprised of music industry professionals.
English Teacher’s win is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time an indie rock album has won the Mercury Prize since Wolf Alice’s victory in 2018 with ‘Visions of a Life’. The award is known for highlighting diverse and innovative albums from both emerging and established artists, making English Teacher’s win even more significant.
‘This Could Be Texas’, released on April 12th, explores themes of race and mental health through the band’s distinctive alternative rock sound. The album has been praised for its originality, lyrical depth, and subtle musical innovations. The judging panel described it as “a winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation, alongside a subtle way of wearing its musical innovations lightly, displays a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format. ‘This Could Be Texas’ reveals new depths on every listen; the mark of a future classic.”
English Teacher, fronted by Lily Fontaine, formed while studying at the Leeds Conservatoire in 2018. They released their first single, ‘R&B’, in 2021 and followed it up with their debut EP, ‘Polyawkward’, in 2022. Their winning album, ‘This Could Be Texas’, marks their first full-length release.
The band’s win comes at a time when the Mercury Prize ceremony has undergone a noticeable shift in scale. The event, which was previously held at the Hammersmith Apollo and featured live performances from all nominees, has seen a reduction in size due to the lack of sponsorship. Despite the scaled-down format, the Mercury Prize remains one of the UK’s most prestigious music awards, and English Teacher’s victory signifies a significant moment in their career. The band expressed their surprise and gratitude, emphasizing the role of local venues in supporting their journey to success. They are the first non-London based band to win the award since 2014.
English Teacher’s win is a testament to their talent, originality, and commitment to crafting music that tackles important social issues. Their album ‘This Could Be Texas’ is a powerful and thought-provoking work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the music world.
