ENGLISH TEACHER

English Teacher are an indie-rock four piece hailing from Leeds. Formed in 2020, the band’s members comprise vocalist Lily Fontaine, guitarist Lewis Whiting, drummer Douglas Frost, and bassist Nicholas Eden.

After making their Official Chart in April 2024 with their Top 10 debut album This Could Be Texas, on 5 September 2024 English Teacher scooped the 2024 Mercury Music Prize beating fellow nominees including Charli xcx's BRAT, Barry Can't Swim, Cat Burns, CMAT, Berwyn, Beth Gibbons, Corinne Bailey Rae, corto.alto, Ghetts, Nia Archives and The Last Dinner Party to the prestigious accolade.

Announcing English Teacher as the winner of the Mercury Prize, on behalf of the judging team 6 Music’s Jamz Supernova , said “This has been a really tough year for the Mercury Prize judges, with the final 12 albums being so reflective of our diverse & rich musical landscape. There was so much passion and enthusiasm for each one. 

In the end, though, we did agree that This Could Be Texas by English Teacher stands out for its originality & 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.”