For nearly a decade, the Mercury Prize, arguably the UK’s most prestigious music award, has been reserved for acts hailing from London. From grime’s ascendance to the Indie Rock establishment, the capital's creative monopoly has been clear for years. Yet, this time around, a refreshing break from tradition occurred as Leed's English Teacher won the coveted prize. The band said representing the North as part of their win was “so important because otherwise the music industry becomes really homogenous and really boring”...and they’re right. As they’re the first non-London act to win the title since Edinburgh's Young Fathers took the award in 2014.
Photo Credit: JM Enternational
The win signals a significant triumph for the North and a potential shift in the landscape of the UK music industry. The industry has long been marked by geographical imbalance, with London often seen as the epicentre of musical opportunity. Aspiring artists from the North often feel the need to migrate south, believing that real success can only be found in the capital, with access to creative spaces often concentrated in London. Those outside of the capital have little choice but to make the expensive move, or book costly travel and accommodation to the capital for shows, work experience and networking opportunities. If you’re not from inherited wealth, you’re either working music as a second job around a full-time one, or you aren’t able to participate.
A recent poll by Youth Music found that 10% more young people in the south of England view themselves as musical in comparison to the north - unsurprising, after decades of underinvestment in northern arts has limited opportunities for emerging talent outside of London. The lack of creative infrastructure in the north has long been a barrier, yet there are promising signs of change on the horizon. Last year, plans for a second BRIT School in Bradford were approved, whilst the Labour government promises more arts funding is now being given to organisations outside of London "than ever before". The expansion of arts education beyond London is a much-needed step toward greater regional representation and could provide a crucial foundation for young northern artists to develop their talents without needing to relocate.
English Teacher's win isn’t an isolated event in the rise of northern representation in the music industry. The past few years have seen the rise of artists such as Sam Fender and Blossoms, as well Nia Archives and Corinne Bailey Rae who - from Bradford and Leeds respectively - were both also nominated for the Mercury Prize this year. Representation like this is key; when northern artists succeed, they show young people from their hometowns that success in the arts is achievable without moving to the capital, inspiring the next English Teacher to stay rooted in their communities whilst pursuing their creative ambitions.
These recent developments point to a future where regional diversity is celebrated, and where artists from across the UK can succeed without feeling pressured to move to the capital. English Teacher’s Mercury Prize victory is not just a win for the band; it’s a win for regional diversity, for working-class artists, and for the belief that creativity can flourish anywhere. The North is rising again, and the industry is starting to take notice.
Words by Donovan Livesey
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