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Lianne La Havas capped off what is looking like a pretty brilliant year already when she picked up one of the twelve nominations in this year's Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize.

Her album, 'Is Your Love Big Enough' is a thing of assured yet delicate soul that has impressed the judging panel and public alike as well as music legends Prince and Stevie Wonder. We caught up with Lianne at a recent Mercury concert in London to find out how she if feeling ahead of the big reveal this November.

How does it feel to be nominated for the Mercury Music Prize this year?
It feels really good. It’s amazing. The best feeling.
 
When did you find out you had been nominated?
I found out on the day of the nomination announcements. Well, I heard a few days before I suppose. They rang up and said ‘are you free to come down to this’. I was actually in America at that time though so couldn’t make it to the ceremony.
 
Did you do anything to celebrate over there?
Well we were playing gigs and it was New York Fashion week too so we just partied really. 
 
What does the Mercury Music Prize mean to you?
It’s basically the best one, isn’t it? It’s based on the music you make, not how many you’ve sold or how big you are. It’s all about the quality of your record so to be nominated is a big nod that you’ve made a good album.
 
Any previous winners that you are particularly fond of?
There’s a few nominees, actually. I love In Rainbows from Radiohead, Back To Black of course and Alas I Cannot Swim by Laura Marling. I though Dizzee Rascal’s Boy In Da Corner was a very deserving winner too. 
 

What would it mean to you to win the award?
It would mean the world. I spent a long time making the album and I’m more than happy to be making music so winning would be the best thing in the world.
 
Which of your fellow nominees do you particularly rate?
I love the Alt-J album. I love Jessie Ware and her album too. It’s a mixed bag this year but there’s lots of different moods across the nominated albums. The judges have got their work cut out.
 
Have you ever won any awards before in your lifetime?
No. Actually, I did win a achievement in music prize when I was in year 10 at school.
 
You probably didn’t get £20k for that, did you?
No! Do you win twenty thousand pounds with the Mercury Prize? I didn’t know there was a prize like that. 
 
Are you feeling more competitive now?
I was competitive before! I could put a deposit on a flat with that kind of money.

The Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize winer is announced on November 1st.