English Teacher is an acclaimed British music group that emerged from Leeds and Lancashire in 2020, consisting of vocalist Lily Fontaine, guitarist Lewis Whiting, drummer Douglas Frost, and bassist Nicholas Eden. The band initially formed as a dream pop group named ‘Frank’ in 2018, but they rebranded to English Teacher, marking a significant evolution in their sound and artistic direction. Their debut single, “R&B,” released in 2021, received widespread critical acclaim and mainstream radio play, establishing them as a formidable presence in the indie-rock scene.

In April 2022, English Teacher released their EP, Polyawkward, through Nice Swan Records, which was praised by NME for its innovative art-punk sound. This project showcased the band’s unique ability to blend genres while addressing themes of identity and belonging, particularly through Fontaine’s perspective as a mixed-race woman in the predominantly white indie-rock landscape. Their performance on the renowned show Later… with Jools Holland in November 2023 further solidified their reputation as rising stars in the music industry.

The band’s debut studio album, This Could Be Texas, was released on April 12, 2024, through Island Records. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, with The Line of Best Fit hailing it as potentially one of the finest debuts of the decade. The album’s originality and character earned English Teacher the prestigious 2024 Mercury Prize, marking a significant milestone in their career and highlighting their fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format.

In addition to their Mercury Prize win, English Teacher was recognized as Newcomer of the Year at the Northern Music Awards in 2024. Their song “Nearly Daffodils” was also named one of the best songs of the year by Time magazine, further showcasing their impact on the music scene. With their innovative sound and compelling performances, English Teacher continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting new bands in the UK.