The Mercury Prize win for Sam Fender's album People Watching has triggered a massive sales boost, proving the immediate impact of the prestigious award. According to BPI analysis of Official Charts Company data, the winning album has seen a phenomenal 159% increase in chart sales since the announcement last week.
Fender’s sophomore record has jumped up the midweek Official Albums Chart, climbing from No. 75 to No. 17. The title track from the album is also back in the midweek Official Singles Chart Top 75, sitting at No. 58. The "Mercury Effect" extends to his back catalogue as well, with his debut, Hypersonic Missiles, and his previous album, Seventeen Going Under, seeing chart sales increase by 29% and 26% respectively.
This year's Mercury Prize Awards Show, held on October 16th, marked a new era for the prize with its move to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. The high-energy event, which saw performances from nine shortlisted artists, also generated its highest-ever audience across official digital platforms, racking up over 6 million views on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media channels.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, thanked the City of Newcastle for embracing the event, noting that the city and its people helped make the prize "truly special."
The prize recognizes the best new British and Irish music, championing the album format and providing a vital platform for emerging and established artists. Fender's success, alongside the chart rises of other nominated albums, showcases the power of the Prize to provide a significant boost for artists as they connect with a wider audience.
