Indie band English Teacher, comprised of members Douglas Frost, Lily Fontaine, Nicholas Eden, and Lewis Whiting, have taken the music world by storm by winning the prestigious Mercury Prize for their debut album “This Could Be Texas.”
Formed in 2020 while studying at the Leeds Conservatoire, English Teacher is the first act from outside London to win the prize since 2014. Judges praised the band for their originality and fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format.
Lead singer Lily Fontaine expressed gratitude towards her mother, who created the artwork for the album, during their acceptance speech. The band, seemingly overwhelmed by their win, were at a loss for words on stage.
English Teacher’s album is deeply rooted in Fontaine’s upbringing in Colne, East Lancashire, addressing themes of social deprivation, identity, love, and loss. The album’s musical playfulness, combining spoken vocals with dreamy guitar lines and complex rhythms, captivated the judges who described it as a “future classic.”
The band credited the support they received from local venues in Leeds, such as the Hyde Park Book Club and the Brudenell Social Club, for their success. They highlighted the thriving music scene in Leeds and emphasized the need for more recognition of talent outside of London.
Despite fierce competition from artists like Charli XCX and Ghetts, English Teacher emerged victorious, taking home a cash prize of £25,000. The Mercury Prize ceremony, held at Abbey Road Studios and broadcast live on BBC Four and Radio 6 Music, showcased the best of British and Irish music.
English Teacher’s win marks a significant moment in the music industry, shining a spotlight on the talent emerging from regions beyond the capital. With their debut album receiving critical acclaim, the band is set to make a lasting impact on the music scene for years to come.
