Singer Lakeman misses prize win

Seth Lakeman: Sales of album Kitty Jay have rocketed

Devon folk singer Seth Lakeman was beaten to the title for Best Album in the Nationwide Mercury Music Prize.

But he says he feels like a winner already, after being nominated for the prestigious award.

His CD, Kitty Jay - full of songs about Dartmoor and its legends - was one of 12 vying for the title Album of the Year in the Mercury Prize.

At a ceremony hosted by Jools Holland, Lakeman performed the title track to a crowd of musicians and industry heads.

Just to be nominated is enough to make me feel like a winner Seth Lakeman

As the applause died down, Jools turned to the audience and said; "What an incredible talent."

Although he didn't scoop the title, Lakeman was elated to have got this far.

"Just to be nominated is enough to make me feel like a winner," he said and thanked everyone involved in the record - promising them all a 'trip to Cornwall' if he won.

Sean Lakeman produced the album in his kitchen

Before the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, Lakeman told BBC Devon: "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."

Lakeman, 28, launched the album in what was literally a "behind-closed-doors" concert; in front of inmates inside Dartmoor Prison.

The CD cost just £300 to make; was recorded in the kitchen of his cottage in Horrabridge; and was produced by his brother Sean, who also plays guitars and mandolin on the album.

Lakeman penned most of the tracks himself and plays guitar, violin and viola as well as providing the vocals.

The nomination has already proved a major boost for Lakeman's career and sales of Kitty Jay have rocketed.

Lakeman was up against stiff competition, including fellow Devonian, Chris Martin and his group Coldplay.

Their 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.

However it was Antony and the Johnsons - with their album I Am A Bird Now - who were named winners of the Nationwide Mercury Prize.