2019 Hyundai Mercury Prize “We’re not about ego boosts, but it’s nice to celebrate the album” - IDLES talk their Hyundai Mercury Prize spot

There’s undoubtedly all sorts of emotions at play when it comes to hearing that you’ve been shortlisted for the Hyundai Mercury Prize, but as for Joe Talbot, frontman of DIY faves IDLES? He’s feeling - in his own words - “clammy and happy”.

Aside from the state of the weather, then… “It’s the best feeling in the world being patted on the back by peers that you admire, but it’s not something you dwell on,” he explained earlier today at the prize’s launch. “We’re not about ego boosts, but it’s nice to celebrate the album and put it bed in a celebratory way and be part of this amazing cluster of artists.”

Talking of the other acts up for this year’s prize, how many would he say he’s into? “Well, I haven’t heard a few of them so I’m gonna listen to them, but yeah, I’m a massive fan of slowthai, Fontaines, Anna Calvi, Black Midi. Plus, Foals are probably the best live band around right now so I can’t wait to see them again.”

And where would he be putting his money? “If I was gonna vote right off the cuff now…” he pondered. “I wouldn’t be able to decide between Little Simz, slowthai or Fontaines DC.” There you have it, ladies and gents, there you have it.