Established in 1992, the Mercury Prize was envisaged as an antidote to the commercially-focused Brit Awards, recognising albums that moved music forwards, without any recourse to fashion or trends.
Of the last 34 winners, 20 have been debuts – from artists including Arctic Monkeys, Suede and Franz Ferdinand.
Many people have mistakenly assumed it is a prize for first albums – but this year’s shortlist included only two: Jacob Alon’s delicate and beautiful In Limerence, and Joe Webb’s Hamstrings and Hurricanes, a jazz album partially influenced by Oasis.
This year saw the ceremony move from London to Newcastle, as part of a wider music industry initiative towards decentralisation.
“Talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t,” said Jo Twist, says chief executive of the BPI, which organises the awards.
“So it’s only right that we bring these large scale shows (outside London) to show there are opportunities within the music industry without having to move city.”
Fender noted the change, saying Newcastle had “always been in an isolated bubble” from the music industry.
“So for it to be recognised is really important. Hopefully it can be the beginning of many other wonderful things.”