Mercury Prize 2015 - SOAK: “Everyone puts load of hype on this, it’s slightly intimidating”

SOAK is the youngest nominee at this year’s Mercury Prize, and the 19-year-old Derry newcomer says she hasn’t thought about winning.

“This isn’t as crazy as I thought it would be - yet. I never really expect much anyway. It comes as a surprise, so it’s quite nice that way,” she says. “First album - I definitely didn’t think this would happen at all. It’s kind of weird.”

Nominated for ‘Before We Forgot How to Dream’, Bridie Monds-Watson claims she’d just “have a massive party” if she ended up winning. “The guy who produced by album is in Villagers, and they’ve been nominated twice. It’s nice to hear from him, and it’s relaxing. Everyone puts load of hype on this, it’s slightly intimidating.”

The Mercury nomination has helped SOAK’s profile skyrocket, and she hopes for that to continue, especially when tackling big issues. “As my profile increases, it’s more important to me to talk out against these things. Being this age, I have an audience that identifies as LGBT. We could potentially change things. I hope to just continue doing this and we have an impact on Northern Irish gay politics.”

Photo: Emma Swann / DIY.