Mercury Prize 2015 - ESKA: “Everyone here’s a winner”

ESKA is an outsider for this year’s Mercury Prize, nominated for her self-titled debut album.

Summing up her first work, she says: “I’ve finally found a way of bringing definition to myself. The work has been able to echo that. In doing that, you feel like you’re making a statement that’s unique. It’s my musical blueprint.

“I’m incredibly excited. It’s a real thrill. It feels really good to be here. I’m Cinderella! I’m wearing my crown.”

Following in the wise words of East India Youth’s “music is the real winner” statement from last year, Eska says: “Everyone here’s a winner.”

She adds: “The shortlist is incredible. I feel honoured to be in this list, and it’s a great day for British music. We all have a lot to show for ourselves. The truth is, I’ve not met anyone on the list. It’s going to be a lot of fun, hopefully. All of us really enjoy the fact that we’ve arrived at this moment.”