Fans react to English Teacher winning the 2024 Mercury Prize

5 September, 2024

English Teacher. Credit: Denmarc Creary

Fans have taken to social media to share their reactions to English Teacher being announced as this year’s Mercury Prize winners.

Comprised of vocalist Lily Fontaine, guitarist Lewis Whiting, drummer Douglas Frost, and bassist Nicholas Eden, the former NME cover stars‘ acclaimed debut ‘This Could Be Texas’ was shortlisted alongside records by the likes of Charli XCX, CMAT, Ghetts, The Last Dinner Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beth Gibbons, Barry Can’t Swim and more.

Today (September 5), the Leeds four-piece were announced as this year’s winners. While announcing their victory, guest presenter, 6 Music’s Jamz Supernova, said: “In the end, though, we did agree that ‘This Could Be Texas’ by English Teacher stands out for its originality and character. 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.

“The Mercury Prize was set up to celebrate the album as an artistic format in its own right and all the judges agreed that this charismatic body of work deserves to be the 2024 Mercury Prize Album of the Year.”

Fans immediately took to X/Twitter to share their reactions to the win. “This was absolutely the right choice. This is an amazing debut album. Well deserved!! My choice for album of the year as well,” wrote one user while another shared: “english teacher won the mercury prize we are so BACK.” Check out more reactions below:

Though many fans shared their delight for the band, fans of the other artists nominated also took to social media to share their disappointment in their favourites losing. “Sorry but Brat was robbed! #MercuryPrize,” wrote one Charli XCX fan while another shared: “The way she’s was describing the winner I thought it was CMAT lol.”

During their acceptance speech, Fontaine went on to say, “Look, mum,” and explained that they didn’t expect to win: “We didn’t really plan this far.”

Whiting then went on to thank “everyone in Leeds,” while the members all thanked their friends and parents. ”My mum did the artwork [for the album] so I want to give a special thanks to her,” added Fontaine, who also thanked the music scene in their home city, including live venue Brudenell Social Club.

In a five-star review of the album, NME concluded: “What you have in ‘This Could Be Texas’ is everything you want from a debut; a truly original effort from start to finish, an adventure in sound and words, and a landmark statement. Poised for big things? Who knows if this industry even allows that anymore. Here are a band already dealing in brilliance, though – who dare to dream and have it pay off. Not everyone gets to go to space, but at least English Teacher make it a damn site more interesting being stuck down here.”

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