Kate Tempest talks fellow Mercury Prize nominees: “Young Fathers are my heroes”

Kate Tempest has been a favourite of her fellow nominees to take home this year’s Mercury Prize, with both Nick Mulvey and Anna Calvi singing her praises - but who’s her favourite act up for the gong?

“Young Fathers are my heroes”, she tells DIY from this evening’s red carpet. “I love them but I can’t really get anywhere near them. They’re lovely, we’re label mates. They have such a spiritual energy, I know it’s cheesy but hand on my heart, I can’t tell you how much I love what they do.”

She’s definitely still go her eye on the prize however. “It would mean the world, but honestly all the albums are so different and unique and each one is holding its own space.” And what would she do if she won? “I’ll build a new mantelpiece.”

Other acts nominated for the Mercury Prize 2014 include Bombay Bicycle Club, Royal Blood, Anna Calvi, FKA twigs and Jungle. The winner will be announced later this evening (Wednesday 29th October) at the Roundhouse, London ceremony.