“I hope it reflects other young people’s lives” - Novelist talks getting a Hyundai Mercury Prize nomination for his debut album

Novelist is up for this year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize for his debut album ‘Novelist Guy’ - one of only three debut albums on the list.

“I was at first, but I’m not now,” he tells us on the red carpet, getting over the slightly overwhelming news of his nomination. “It’s really sinking in!”

“All I can say is praise god,” he continues. “I’m so grateful that there’s people out there that appreciate the music, and consider it as great art. When I was making [the album], that’s what I really wanted from it. I wanted people to think ‘Yeah, this is good music and I can take something from it’ not just something that you listen to on bypass. I wanted to resonate with people.”

Speaking on what he wants an audience to take from ‘Novelist Guy’, he says that the main takeaway is to “be positive, and maintain your faith. Keep your faith.” I’m only competing with myself anyway, so wherever this takes me, it takes me, and I’m happy to be here right now. It’s a testimony to the music.”

“I produced it myself, and wrote it myself, and it’s about my life. I hope it reflects other young people’s lives. I grew up in South London - I hope anyone who’s listening, they can take something from it and get a look in to my world.”

View the full list of Mercury Prize nominees here.