Dartmoor folk singer Seth Lakeman is in the running for one of the music industry's most prestigious awards.
Seth, 28, has been nominated for the Nationwide Mercury Prize - the award for the best British album of the year. Seth's CD, Kitty Jay, is full of songs about Dartmoor and its legends, and most of the tracks were penned by Seth, who also plays guitar, violin and viola on the album. Seth launched the album in a literally behind-closed-doors concert...in front of inmates inside Dartmoor Prison. The CD cost just £300 to make. It was recorded in the kitchen of his cottage in Horrabrridge and was produced by his brother Sean, who also plays guitars and mandolin on the album. Seth said: "I'm skint. I spent my last £177 on the entry fee for this award. "I didn't think I stood a chance in hell to be chosen as one of the best 12 albums out of the thousands produced each year. I'm shocked but over the moon.
 | | Seth made the CD in his kitchen |
"It was a £300 record, and it's up against Coldplay, whose album cost £300,000. It's bizarre - it's not sunk in yet really. I'd just like to thank everyone who has supported me. "Fingers crossed for the ceremony on September 6th! In the meantime, it's back to my schedule, with gigs back in Devon." He added: "I've always been interested in the legends and mysteries of Devon and Dartmoor. All the old boys in the pubs would mention these stories and it's a great theme to write about. The judges said Kitty Jay "draws on the dramatic songs and tales of his native Dartmoor," and complimented Seth's songwriting, saying he "makes music that is urgent, thrilling and haunting." The nomination is a major boost for Seth's career. He started singing while at school, and his first solo CD, Punchbowl, was released in 2002. He's up against some stiff competition, including favourites for the award, Coldplay, who are led by vocalist Chris Martin of Exeter. Coldplay's album, X&Y, is the biggest seller of the year, with 500,000 sales in the UK to date. It shot to number one in the charts all around the world, and is the second fastest selling album of all time. Other favourites for the award include the Kaiser Chiefs, with their CD, Employment.
 | | Kitty Jay album |
The winners receive £20,000, but the rewards are more than simply financial - the publicity is worth its weight in gold. The shortlist of 12 is drawn up by a panel of industry experts, and is whittled down from 170 entries. Chair of judges, Simon Frith, said: "It's significant that the country's musical excellence includes such contrasting releases as Coldplay's worldwide number one hit album and Seth Lakeman's self-released folk record - I'm pleased that both have a place on the
same shortlist." Last year's winners were Glasgow outfit Franz Ferdinand. | 
