James Blake wins the 2013 Mercury Prize

Post-dubstep pioneer and singer-songwriter James Blake has taken home this year's Barclaycard Mercury Prize for his second album 'Overgrown'.

'Overgrown' is Blake's most mature release yet, featuring more prominent vocals and bold song structures than he ever attempted on his also-Mercury-nominated self-titled debut. Back in May, we had a chat with him about how he learnt to love writing songs in the process of making the album, and his dream, if he came into enough money, to one day open a charitable studio space for young musicians to use. Given the Mercury Prize comes with a comfy £20,000 bonus and usually gives the winner a boost in album sales, he's presumably now one step closer to realising his ambition.

Funnily enough, 'Overgrown' was one of the 12 albums we chose for our own alternative Mercury shortlist; a sure sign that it was a deserving winner. 

Polydor released 'Overgrown' in May 2013.