An award-winning band fronted by an East Lancashire singer have been named in the top five of BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025 list.
English Teacher, whose lead vocalist Lily Fontaine hails from Colne, placed fifth on the annual list compiled by the radio station.
The recognition follows the group – formed at Leeds Conservatoire and with former St Bede’s High School pupil Lewis Whiting on guitar – winning the 2024 Mercury Prize for their debut album ‘This Could Be Texas’.
Other acts in the Sound of 2025 list are Ezra Collective, Barry Can’t Swim, Myles Smith, and the winner was American pop sensation Chappell Roan.
Making the list is the latest in a string of achievements for the group, having also been shortlisted for BBC Radio 6’s Album of the Year gong.
English Teacher performing in Wycoller (Image: PA) After the group won the Mercury Prize, beating popstar Charli XCX whose ‘Brat’ album was a social media sensation last summer – and even featured in the London Eye New Year’s Eve fireworks display – The Last Dinner Party, and Cat Burns, singer Lily thanked her mother for her help on the album.
They were the first act based outside London to win the award in a decade, with judges praising their “originality and character”.
Lily said: “My mum did the artwork so I want to say a special thanks to her, she’s amazing.
“That’s (the album cover) the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley. It’s beautiful and she painted that in the 1980s.
Chappell Roan was named BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025 and picked up the award from DJ Jack Saunders (Image: BBC/PA Wire)
“When we finished the album…it just felt like it fit. It was only afterwards that it actually really fit the themes as well, I realised.
“It’s (a) bit surreal, bit in-between. It’s all about in-betweens really, the album, and I feel that cover is in-between something.”
Judges said of the album: “This Could Be Texas by English Teacher stands out for its originality and 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 band play in Japan later this month before a gig at Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds on January 27, with other dates around the UK and world throughout the year, before appearing as a support for Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester, on August 15, on a lineup that also features Belfast rappers Kneecap.