CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Four days until winner of the Scottish Album of the Year Award revealed

Four days to go until the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award reveals the winner of ultimate title and stunning trophy.

Four days until winner of the Scottish Album of the Year Award revealed

Article Source: The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Last Updated: 19 October 2021 12:23

With only FOUR days to go until Scotland’s national music prize reveals the winner of the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, fans look ahead to this year’s live Ceremony which will be a celebration of the past 10 years of the award, as well as what will be a significant moment of reunion for Scotland’s music industry after a turbulent time apart.

2021’s Shortlist have chosen Scottish albums and artists who have impacted their own careers, in a nod to The SAY Award’s 10th birthday and its own cultural impact. With the likes of Joesef choosing Glasvegas, Lizzie Reid picking Rachel Sermanni and The Snuts choosing The View, the list is a true celebration of the collaborative nature of Scotland’s music scene. See below for choices and quotes from this year’s Shortlist including Arab Strap, Rachel Newton, The Ninth Wave and more.

The SAY Award have also announced the performing line-up for this year’s Ceremony, set to take place in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Saturday 23rd October, 2020’s winner Nova will open the show. Winning the prestigious award in a year like no other, Nova is set to take to the stage alongside other former SAY Award winners Sacred Paws, as well as rising talent Hamish Hawk PLUS special performances from surprise guests to celebrate 10 years of The SAY Award. BBC Radio Scotland presenters Nicola Meighan and Vic Galloway will host the Ceremony, which will also honour this year’s Modern Scottish Classic winner - Frightened Rabbit’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’.

And finally, brand new for 2021, this year’s Sound of Young Scotland Finalists have been announced as; Alex Amor, Cameron Roxburgh, Jen Mac, kitti and LVRA. Chosen by a panel of former SAY Award nominees from this year’s eligible applicants, the winner will be announced at The SAY Award Ceremony, taking home up to £5,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album, plus 500 vinyl pressings of the finished record.

In alphabetical order, the 10 albums Shortlisted for the coveted Scottish Album of the Year title and final prize of £20,000 are:

The SAY Award Shortlist 2021
AiiTee – ‘Love Don’t Fall’
Arab Strap – ‘As Days Get Dark’
Biffy Clyro – ‘A Celebration of Endings’
Joesef – ‘Does It Make You Feel Good?’
Lizzie Reid – ‘Cubicle’
Mogwai – ‘As The Love Continues’
Rachel Newton – ‘To The Awe’
Stanley Odd – ‘STAY ODD’
The Ninth Wave – ‘Happy Days!’
The Snuts – ‘W.L.’

Buy your tickets HERE

As the final countdown to The SAY Award Ceremony begins, some of this year’s Shortlisted artists took the time to reflect on standout Scottish albums and artists that influenced and shaped their careers.

Arab Strap said: “Am I allowed David Byrne? A bit tenuous (and obvious) maybe, but I was obsessed with Talking Heads from about the age of 13 onwards. Other than that, I remember seeing The Proclaimers on Top of the Pops, singing in their own accents as though it was perfectly normal. The only other time I'd seen that must've been the 1982 World Cup Squad with John Gordon Sinclair, so it was quite an ear-opener, and I still listen to their first two albums all the time.”

Joesef said: “Probably Glasvegas and their debut album. Being from the East End, it was so strange to hear the things I’d grown up surrounded by reflected in music for the first time. I was only thirteen at the time but I remember hearing songs like ‘Daddys Gone’ and ‘Ice Cream Van’ and having quite a visceral experience in the kitchen listening to it on a CD player. Their influence lies in James’ matter of fact style of writing and delivery, as well as their guitar tones and reverbs, I think that's definitely something that's seeped into my music.”

Lizzie Reid said: “Discovering Rachel Sermanni for me was quite a revelation. As a huge Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling fan, it was nice to discover someone from here that was making music of that ilk. She also knows how to captivate an audience and hold them in the palm of her hand, which is inspirational to me.”

Rachel Newton said: “One of the records that has influenced and inspired me most is Martyn Bennett's album 'Grit'. It's a brave, emotional, genre-defying album that mixes the modern and the ancient with a deep, natural understanding that is exhilarating to behold.”

Stanley Odd, Dave aka Solareye said: “For an artist that has influenced us, I think it has to be Loki. I could pick any number of Loki albums that are inspirational, from 'Summer Knows a Darker Shade of Grey' to 'Trigger Warning', the acerbic razor-sharp cultural commentary, dissection of complex social constructs and brutal straight-up top-tier braggadocious wordplay are mind-blowing and energising. Dunt would have 'Trying to Sell a Bridge', with Konchis’ production, at the top of his list as one that inspires him. Throughout Loki’s back catalogue he pushes boundaries, creates interconnected collections of songs tied to a wider narrative and challenges his audience. Each release has me drawn into a world brought to life by the metaphors and imagery, set in motion by the plotlines, and makes me want to be a better emcee.”

The Ninth Wave, Haydn said: “The Twilight Sad have probably been the biggest influence on me as a songwriter, mainly because their songs have taught me to be more at ease with what I actually want to say in the songs that I write. There’s a starkness to so much of their music, especially in the lyrics, and that sort of brutal truthfulness got me hooked on them from the first time I listened to their music.”

The Snuts, Callum said: “Hard to choose just one if I’m honest! I feel as a smaller nation, our output into the world has always been massive culturally and musically. The View’s debut record was a massive one for us, and their sound - in the same way The Libertines did, made us fall in love with scrappy guitars. Glasvegas debut was one of the first records I remember listening to cover to cover with no skips. Every tune just connected. Then there’s Franz Ferdinand, Biffy, Jesus & Mary Chain, Lewis Capaldi - the list goes on.”


CELEBRATING A MODERN SCOTTISH CLASSIC AND THE SOUND OF YOUNG SCOTLAND

2021’s SAY Award Longlist also voted for the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, recognising an album from Scotland’s past that still inspires music being made today, with the winner chosen as Frightened Rabbit - ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’. The album, which is cherished by many, will be recognised on the night of The SAY Award Ceremony.

2021’s Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists are today announced as Alex Amor, Cameron Roxburgh, Jen Mac, kitti and LVRA. The new award, supported by Key Production, Youth Music and the Youth Music Initiative, aims to drive the future of Scotland’s music scene by annually awarding a young, emerging artist. The winner will receive up to £5,000 funding to cover costs relating to the production of their debut album, such as producing, studio rentals, engineers, mixing, mastering, recording expenses and more. They will also receive 500 vinyl pressings of the finished record, along with a bespoke art prize from The SAY Award Design Commission.

Alex Amor said, “I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for the Sound of Young Scotland Award. Each year, I am blown away by the abundance of stellar albums nominated for The SAY award, and it would be a dream come true to be given funding towards my debut album, hopefully following in the footsteps of the contemporaries I look up to.”

Cameron Roxburgh said, “We are ecstatic to be finalists for the Sound of Young Scotland Award. Both Callum and I have been following The SAY Award for many years and we simply cannot wait to attend the event, and celebrate Scottish music with so many others.”

Jen Mac said, “I’m genuinely lost for words being a finalist for the Sound of Young Scotland Award. For me, this is an opportunity to represent my home region of Dumfries and Galloway, a region that I believe is often overlooked and underrepresented in the national music scene.”

kitti said, “I am absolutely over the moon to be a finalist for this wonderful award! To even be in the running for being considered for The Sound of Young Scotland Award is fabulous and I definitely feel like my career is headed in the right direction!”

Rachel Lu, aka LVRA said, “This project is a huge part of me, so to have it recognised by such an acclaimed group of judges feels incredible. I am super grateful to the SAY team for giving young Scottish musicians a platform and a voice.”


Sponsored Links

Three Rivers Festival
Open Pass Scotland
Renfrewshire Council

Latest Stirling News

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration

Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration

The Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

READ MORE
Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project

Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project

To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.

READ MORE
Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters

Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters

Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.

READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

READ MORE
Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches

Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches

Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).

READ MORE
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling

Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling

People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.

READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts

William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts

Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.

READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.

READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Link
ATG
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Three Rivers Festival
Open Pass Scotland
Renfrewshire Council
Link
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Green Gym: Bracken Whackin’
Join the Green Gym for the wellbeing of yourself and nature at Mugdock Country Park this July!
The Famous Alva Games
The 167th Famous Alva Games will return on Saturday 12th July bringing you all a great family day out!
Parent & Child Yoga Together
Looking for a fun, calming activity to enjoy with your child? Then come along to The Dunblane Centre in July for these Parent & Child Yoga workshops!
Connor Burns: Gallus
Don’t miss the all-new Gallus – the latest comedy show from Connor Burns, Scotland’s breakout international stand-up sensation, at The Albert Halls Stirling on 30th January!
Bats about Mugdock
Witness an amazing sunset spectacle as Mugdock's colony of Pipistrelle bats leave their maternity roost at the Visitor Centre to go out for their night-time feed on Thursday 10th July!

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling