The Mercury Music Prize often shines a light on the more offbeat and obscure acts of the British and Irish music scene.

And this year was no exception -- with the only UK household name on the shortlist for album of the year being Damon Albarn.

He's a favourite to win but so is this lady, the poet and singer Kate Tempest.

SOUNDBITE, Kate Tempest, singer:

"The whole thing is just absolutely insane and I think it's important to just own up to the fact that it feels like that. There is nothing cool about how I am feeling. I am feeling like 'aaaagh', you know!' (laughs)

Another favourite, alternative R and B singer FKA twigs, is facing increased attention because of press speculation she's dating actor Robert Pattinson -- but she laughed off becoming a tabloid favourite.

SOUNDBITE, FKA twiggs, singer, saying:

"I mean I don't know I don't look at it. (laughs) I don't know, I just make music and I keep everything pretty low key and I don't feel like