English Teacher, the Leeds-based band, has made headlines following their historic win at the 2024 Mercury Prize for their debut album, This Could Be Texas. Speaking to NME after the ceremony on September 5, vocalist Lily Fontaine expressed overwhelming joy, stating, "This is the best day of my life, including my wedding and my funeral." This award marks the first Mercury Prize win for a non-London act since Young Fathers took home the trophy in 2014.
The band's victory was particularly notable as they triumphed over strong contenders, including Charli XCX, CMAT, Ghetts, and Corinne Bailey Rae, among others. Drummer Douglas Frost expressed surprise at the acclaim their debut album received, emphasizing how the recognition felt surreal.
Fontaine and her bandmates, which include guitarist Lewis Whiting, bassist Nicholas Eden, and Frost, detailed their acceptance speech, where they thanked family, friends, and their local music community, particularly the Brudenell Social Club. Whiting highlighted their unorganized nature, which led to off-the-cuff moments of gratitude during the podium appearance.
The band is looking forward to their future plans, including an upcoming US tour supporting IDLES and a self-directed UK tour. Fontaine mentioned that they have started writing new material, with one song already completed that feels like an extension of their first album. The band aims to develop their sound further while remaining advocates for newer artists navigating the challenging music industry landscape.
In addition to their musical pursuits, English Teacher has made a point to address the struggles faced by emerging artists. Fontaine indicated that their advocacy never felt like a deliberate mission but an organic response to their experiences and inquiries about such challenges. They are keen to remain vocal and honest about these issues moving forward.
As the conversation around new artists in the UK continues to evolve, English Teacher's commitment to honesty and advocacy in their art reflects a broader call for fairness and support within the industry. For more on their journey and insights, check out their official profile on NME here.