Jacob Alon has spoken to NME about being nominated for the Mercury Prize 2025, as well as the magical world of debut album ‘In Limerance’, working with Dan Carey, and their close friendship with Kae Tempest. Watch our video interview above.
- READ MORE: Jacob Alon is making fantastical, vulnerable folk music
The Scottish art-folk star caught up with us on the red carpet at the announcement of the Mercury Prize 2025 shortlist yesterday (Wednesday September 10) – where their acclaimed debut album was revealed to be up against records by the likes of Fontaines D.C., CMAT, Wolf Alice, FKA Twigs, Pulp and Pa Salieu.
As well as being the best-dressed at the even with a “charity shop number” from British Heart Foundation and Mary’s Meals, Allon also opened about the magical universe of their nominated record ‘In Limerance’.
“It packs a punch,” Alon told NME. “There’s this thing called The Dictionary Of Obscure Sorrows, and it has these words that describe these very specific feelings. This isn’t in there, but it feels akin to that vibe. It describes this thing that I’ve done my whole life: the way that I’ve longed for versions of people that aren’t real, I’ve become infatuated and obsessed with the idea of someone rather than seeing them for who they truly are.
“It can become a sickness and take over your every waking thought. It traps you from really knowing someone and experiencing love.”
The album was also produced by the Midas Touch of Dan Carey [Foals, Fontaines D.C., Heartworms, Been Stellar, Wet Leg], who Alon described as “a true genius mind”.
“I don’t throw that word around lightly, but he’s a beautiful soul and one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” they said of the producer. “I’m so proud to call him my friend, and I feel like when we get together it’s like two sugared-up kids in a toy store, running around being playful and being curious.
“Dan really nurtures curiosity in me, and a feeling of trusting your instinct. It’s about working quick and keeping the love and excitement alive; not striving for perfection and ironing out every crease as to lose and accidental beauty.”
Alongside some headline shows of their own, Alon will also be hitting the road for the some support slots with Kae Tempest this autumn – someone they hailed as “a top dog human” that should also have been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for his bold 2025 self-titled album.
“Kae is an artistic force that cannot be rivalled,” said Alon. “His music unlocks something within me. The first time I ever saw Kae perform in the flesh, felt like I didn’t know there was this extra chamber of my heart – and they revived it. They pumped it for me. I felt something break open within me.
“I remember I was having a really bad day and all this emotion that I’d had in me just came pouring out. They helped me to understand parts of myself I didn’t know, and helped me to describe things in the world I couldn’t say. It’s a supreme honour to know them.”
Looking ahead to the live shows, Alon added: “It’s funny, because the music is very direct and at times very serious, but I think I’m also very silly when I perform live, and some would say sassy. In vulnerability, silliness and seriousness are two sides of it. I try to keep it as real as possible at shows.
“Shows are so precious to me, because even when they go disastrously wrong, you’re there together. You’re in a room, you’re breathing, you showed up, you’ve had a meet-up with your pals. I still can’t believe people come to my shows.”
The shortlist for the Mercury Prize 2025 is:
CMAT – ‘Euro-Country’
Emma-Jean Thackray – ‘Weirdo’
FKA Twigs – ‘Eusexua’
Fontaines D.C. – ‘Romance’
Jacob Alon – ‘In Limerence’
Joe Webb – ‘Hamstrings & Hurricanes’
Martin Carthy – ‘Transform Me Then Into A Fish’
Pa Salieu – ‘Afrikan Alien’
PinkPantheress – ‘Fancy That’
Pulp – ‘More’
Sam Fender – ‘People Watching’
Wolf Alice – ‘The Clearing’
This year’s edition of the Mercury Prize awards show will take place outside of London for the first time, and be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Thursday October 16. The ceremony will feature live performances from many of the 12 shortlisted acts, culminating in the overall winner being revealed.
Last year’s Mercury Prize was held at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, and saw English Teacher take home the prestigious award for their universally-acclaimed debut LP, ‘This Could Be Texas’.
Jacob Alon is on tour throughout the autumn and winter. Visit here for tickets and more information.