English Teacher performing at ESNS24, photographed by Stef van Oosterhout Licensed under User22039, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Leeds’s very own indie rock band English Teacher win the coveted Album of the Year Mercury prize in shock victory over bookie’s favourite: Charli XCX’s brat.
In a stunning night for the city, with three finalists for album of the year hailing from Leeds – the region lived up to it’s moment in the musical spotlight. Ethereal indie outfit English Teacher, spine-tingling jungle artist Nia Archives and the ground-breaking Corrine Bailey Rae all included in the nominations.
The first band from outside of London since 2014 to pick up the Album of the Year – English Teacher are leading the musical charge away from the dominance of the capital. They’ve done it on their own terms with their debut album This Could Be Texas. Chosen by the judges for its “originality and character”, the underdogs shocked everyone, including themselves.
Making a name in the legendary Leeds indie venues The Brudenell Social Club, The Wardrobe and Hyde Park Book Club; English Teacher felt a connection with their audience’s desire for exciting new indie. A change of pace from the usual 2000s inspired overdriven noisy indie. In their veins run a delightful tinge of art-rock. Often ethereal, thought-provoking and utterly original.
The victory for English Teacher serves as a crucial reminder that award-winning art outside of London exists. Especially meaningful to a city that has suffered the losses of cultural venues in recent years.
English Teacher, Nia Archives and Corrine Bailey Rae are all electrifying artists that prove that our city can and will compete to be a cultural powerhouse.
Comments