“Growing up, [The Mercury Prize] always felt like the significant one that reflected me, my preferences, and my group.” What was enjoyable about that perspective? It was reminiscent of when Ellie [Rowsell, vocals] and I initially performed as an acoustic duo. It’s what we used to do in her bedroom during our teenage years. Does the idea of this ‘Clearing’ signify a moment in time, a period, or an ongoing journey? For me, ‘The Clearing’ represents a brief acknowledgment of your current state without fleeing from it. It might suggest a future goal or perhaps it’s more of a practice. It’s quite a vague concept. Do you sense closure or unresolved matters concerning ‘The Clearing’? Performing songs live repeatedly is always how I establish a profound connection with them. I can’t reveal too much, but there may be more to explore in ‘The Clearing’ realm. I believe we’re still deep within it. It’s unfortunate in today's world that you can’t test out material in real life anymore, due to everyone having a camera phone. You can no longer develop in the open, which is disappointing. Do you take pride in ‘The Clearing’ differently compared to its earlier works? I have a greater appreciation for this one than the previous albums. I was convinced that ‘Blue Weekend’ would mark our end. I really like it now, but we put ourselves through a lot to create it. I’m still discovering ‘The Clearing’ in a way that perhaps wasn’t true for the other albums. I’m curious to see how it will influence our future projects. DIY has partnered with LNER - the Official Travel Partner of the 2025 Mercury Prize Newcastle - to honor the significance of journeys, both musical and literal. Check out our complete 2025 Mercury Prize Newcastle special edition below.
What else is there to discuss regarding Tame Impala that hasn't been repeated countless times? Quite a bit, in fact. For starters, they have received significant critical acclaim.
VMU Studio has collaborated with Fanatics, the NFL, and Olaolu Slawn for their latest installation, Football x Football. The project was launched in Leicester.
Cat Burns has released a new single titled 'Please Don't Hate Me.' The UK singer-songwriter is a unique talent and is currently working on her next chapter. Her upcoming album is titled 'How To Be'
The duo Piri & Tommy continue to drift away from their dance music roots and dive into pop, funk, and disco with their new single, 'Miss Provocative.'
For various reasons, it might appear somewhat far-fetched to draw a comparison between Madi Diaz and Bruce Springsteen, yet the timing of the release of 'Fatal Optimist'
On his newest album, 'Sunlight In The Shadows', Miles Kane takes on the blues with a powerful stadium anthem. It’s vibrant and pulsating, and conveys
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.