Sam Fender's Home Victory Concludes a Night of Mercury Prize Revival

      The phrases ‘home win’ and ‘Newcastle’ have not been frequently mentioned this year, yet that’s precisely what the Mercury Prize provided last night when an emotional Sam Fender celebrated at a crowded Utilita Arena. His album ‘People Watching’ won the coveted award during a year of transformation for the prize.

      Last year’s Mercury event was more minimalist and devoid of sponsorship, hosted at the iconic Abbey Road studios. English Teacher’s sharp debut album ‘This Might Be Texas’ claimed victory that night, but the impact of that simplified event seemed to lack the significant buzz generated by previous years.

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      Taking the event on the road, the Mercury Prize relocated to Newcastle. As someone raised in the Highlands of Scotland – as far as one can get from London’s influence – it’s uplifting to see more attention given to the North East, and Newcastle certainly rose to the occasion.

      With local groups like Generator organizing a Mercury fringe, the city felt like it was experiencing a significant moment. There was a tangible excitement in Newcastle, a city that has previously hosted events like the MOBO Awards, adding a refreshing aspect to the prize. Additionally, holding the event at the Utilita Arena allowed for greater public access, which infused the evening with a different energy.

      That energy can ultimately be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. Pre-event favorite CMAT was unable to perform due to emergency dental surgery on her wisdom teeth. Although she arrived with a set of teeth in a cute bag, it was a small consolation – after a brilliant summer, CMAT could have potentially outshone the others last night.

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      Ultimately, Sam Fender claimed the award. Skeptics expressed their opinions even before the doors opened, suggesting it was all predetermined to allow a fervent home crowd to support their favorite. However, there are several compelling reasons for the songwriter's recognition. He may not require the additional exposure, but aside from Taylor Swift, he has sold more records in the UK this year than any other artist. During his completely sold-out UK tour, he performed for 250,000 fans in just four days while creating the most politically charged music of his career.

      ‘People Watching’ addresses themes of addiction, loneliness, and the struggles faced by working-class individuals. These narratives are seldom reflected in mainstream music, and his ability to convey these messages so gracefully under immense pressure speaks volumes about his artistry.

      In the end, only one award can be presented. Sam Fender's success highlights the ongoing lack of recognition for Irish music – would CMAT or Fontaines D.C. have been deserving winners? We may never know, but one vacant spot in their swiftly filling trophy cabinets does not diminish their remarkable artistic contributions or the continuous wave of outstanding music emerging from both sides of the Irish border.

      The morning after, there's a feeling that the Mercury Prize made progress last night. Reconnecting with the public felt revitalizing, and a more mainstream choice suggests it is moving away from the insular domain that many critics have portrayed it to be. Following English Teacher’s win last year, ‘People Watching’ marks the second consecutive non-London winner, certainly a cause for celebration.

      However, several questions arise. With Sam Fender’s BRIT Award achievements, how does the Mercury distinguish itself from other awards? If Newcastle is an effective hub, will it stay here? Or will it, like the MOBO Awards, move from city to city? The Mercury Prize 2025 offered a night filled with positivity and an awkward sense of evolution.

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      Words: Robin Murray