Fergus McCready album announced as winner of SAY Award
Last night, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – Scotland’s National Music Prize – announced Fergus McCreadie’s ‘Forest Floor’ as the winner of the coveted title and £20,000 prize
Article Source: The SAY Award
Last Updated: 21 October 2022 14:47
COCTEAU TWINS CELEBRATED AS ‘HEAVEN OR LAS VEGAS’ WINS MODERN SCOTTISH CLASSIC AWARD, WHILE BERTA KENNEDY IS CROWNED THE SOUND OF YOUNG SCOTLAND 2022.
Last night, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – Scotland’s National Music Prize – announced Fergus McCreadie’s ‘Forest Floor’ as the winner of the coveted title and £20,000 prize at the exclusive Ceremony in The Albert Halls, Stirling. In the award’s 11th year, Cocteau Twins were also recognised, picking up the Modern Scottish Classic Award for ‘Heaven and Las Vegas’, while Berta Kennedy won the Sound of Young Scotland Award and a funding package worth up to £5,000 to support the creation of her debut album.
25-year-old Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie’s latest album ‘Forest Floor’ is recognised as Scottish Album of the Year at the Ceremony in Stirling - the city where he first developed his unique vision for jazz music. Scottish folk influences are central in defining Fergus’ sound, with precisely placed notes and rich harmonies which saw him shortlisted for the Mercury Prize which he attended earlier this week. Longlisted for a SAY Award in 2021 and shortlisted under Fergus McCreadie Trio in 2019, it's third time lucky for this exciting and unique artist. Seonaid Aitken accepted the prize tonight on Fergus’ behalf.
Listen to 2022’s Scottish Album of the Year HERE.
Fergus McCreadie, Scottish Album of the Year Award Winner for 2022, who was sadly unable to attend the ceremony said: “I’m absolutely honoured and thrilled that Forest floor has been selected as this year's Scottish Album of the Year. I’m really proud of how the trio comes across on the record and it’s such a privilege for us to have that recognised by the SAY award panel. I’m also so excited by what this can do for Scottish Jazz - we’re the first jazz act to win the prize and I really hope we won’t be the last. Scottish jazz is full of incredible musicians and bands that I respect so much, and I really hope this will be only one step of an incredible journey for a scene which truly punches above its weight. All that to say, thanks so much to the SAY Award and the panel, to David and Stephen for their incredible musicianship and friendship, to all my fellow musicians in Glasgow for their support and to you, the audience, who make it happen for us. I will always be grateful to make and play music.”
Held for the first time in Stirling’s Albert Halls, the Ceremony was co-hosted by BBC Radio Scotland presenters Nicola Meighan and Vic Galloway, and was truly a night to remember as artists, music fans and industry figureheads gathered to celebrate 2022’s Shortlist, with all nine runners up each collecting £1,000 and a bespoke trophy created by local artists ART FUTURO via The SAY Design Commission. Following tonight’s ceremony, The SAY Award have distributed over £320,000 in prize money and championed 220 Longlisted albums across 11 previous campaigns, demonstrating the award’s continued ambition, passion and commitment to accelerating a growing Scottish music scene.
Robert Kilpatrick, Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) / The SAY Award, said: “Fergus McCreadie is not only at the forefront of Scotland’s jazz scene, but he’s a shining example of someone who’s making some of the most exciting and innovative jazz music worldwide. With a Mercury Prize nomination and a SAY Award win now under his belt, 2022’s been a phenomenal year for one of Scotland’s most exciting talents, and firmly places ‘Forest Floor’ as one of the defining records of this year.
A huge congratulations also to Berta Kennedy on winning this year’s Sound of Young Scotland Award, and to ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ by Cocteau Twins for winning the Modern Scottish Classic Award for one of the most magical Scottish records of all time.
On behalf of the SMIA, I’d like to thank all involved who make The SAY Award happen. As our industry continues to navigate challenging times, prizes like SAY and the financial and promotional support they offer are more vital than ever.”
Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland said: "Huge congratulations to Fergus McCreadie and to all of the incredible albums and musicians that made up this year’s shortlist. The SAY Award not only celebrates and recognises the achievements of some of Scotland’s finest musicians but also brings these fantastic albums to the public’s attention. Fergus is one of Scotland’s most exciting young musicians and a rising star of the UK jazz scene, as reflected in his recent Mercury Prize nomination and now this accolade. Many congratulations.”
Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Cllr Margaret Brisley said: “Stirling was proud to host the most exciting night in Scotland’s music calendar to celebrate these outstanding albums and the talented artists behind them.
“Congratulations to the three award winners and the shortlisted artists, who will all take home innovative and unique trophies created in Stirling by one of our many amazing design studios. Having several artists with a strong Stirling connection on the final shortlist was fantastic and recognition of Stirling’s thriving music scene, creative spirit and the continued investment in culture by the Council and other key partners.
A huge thanks to everyone involved in organising such a fantastic and inspiring event in Stirling’s historic Albert Halls, which demonstrated again why it’s such a special and versatile venue. The SAY Award 2022 showed Stirling at its best – a welcoming city that can successfully stage a wide range of major events, a place that is alive with culture.”
The Ceremony’s Stirling location for 2022 was unveiled earlier this year through a SAY Award projection onto the National Wallace Monument, which featured the lyrics of the iconic Scottish ballad ‘Caledonia’. Tonight, the ceremony opened with a powerful and special rendition of the song by Shortlisted RnB/Soul singer AiiTee, mesmerising an audience packed with music industry royalty hanging off every word including Dougie MacLean who wrote the song in 1977 as a love song to his homeland and thus becoming an anthem of Scottish pride.
Other spectacular performances on the night included fellow Shortlisted artists, Stirling’s own Constant Follower, Glasgow indie band The Just Joans, and Seonaid Aitken Ensemble who paid homage to the 2022 Modern Scottish Classic Award Winner – Cocteau Twins’ ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ – with a specially curated reimagined set. Seonaid Aitken said: “What an absolute honour to be asked to reimagine this incredible album”. The Sound of Young Scotland Winner Berta Kennedy also performed her debut single ‘Free-Swimming’, and previous SAY Award Winner Kathryn Joseph sang her cover of ‘A Way From Rage’ in a touching tribute to Beldina Odenyo Onassis, also known by her artist name ‘Heir of the Cursed’. Kathryn pronounced “we fucking miss you, Belinda” before signing while footage of Belinda’s performance from last year’s SAY Award Ceremony played behind her.
In alphabetical order, 2022’s The SAY Award Shortlist:
AiiTee – ‘Better Days’
Constant Follower – ‘Neither Is, Nor Ever Was’
Fergus McCreadie – ‘Forest Floor’
Hamish Hawk – ‘Heavy Elevator’
Hen Hoose – ‘Equaliser’
Kathryn Joseph – ‘for you who are the wronged’
Kobi Onyame – ‘Don’t Drink The Poison’
Niteworks – ‘A’Ghrian’
Proc Fiskal – ‘Siren Spine Sysex’
Walt Disco – ‘Unlearning’
The 2022 judging panel - made up of influential tastemakers from a range of creative spheres - included Amina Shah (CEO, National Library of Scotland); Anneliese Harmon (General Manager, MMF); Corbyn Asbury (Label Relations Manager, YouTube); Dave Francis (Director, TRACS); Jackie Wylie (CEO / Artistic Director, National Theatre of Scotland); Jude McArdle (Membership Manager, AIM); Khaleda Noon (Executive Director, Intercultural Youth Scotland); Paul Black (Writer/Director/Comedian); Shereen Cutkelvin (Presenter, BBC Introducing) and Will Page (Author and Economist); who together debated the Shortlist and crowned Fergus McCreadie the Scottish Album of the Year.
The Sound of Young Scotland Award, supported by Ticketmaster, Youth Music and Youth Music Initiative, saw five finalists – Berta Kennedy, Dead Pony, KLEO, Psweatpants and Uninvited – recognised at the ceremony with the overall winner chosen by a panel of former SAY Award nominees. Nicola Meighan and Vic Galloway presented the award to this year’s winner, Berta Kennedy, who will receive a funding package worth up to £5,000 to facilitate the creation of her debut album, including recording time at Tolbooth Stirling.
Ahead of her surprise live performance, a delighted Berta Kennedy, Sound of Young Scotland Winner 2022, said ahead of her performance: “I’d like to thank my amazing band - I’m so honoured to share the stage with them, they’re so talented. And thank you to The SAY Award and SMIA for supporting and uplifting people like me.” She also gave a shout out to her parents who yelled with excitement as Vic and Nicola announced their daughter’s win.
Morag Macdonald, YMI Manager at Creative Scotland said: “We’re delighted for Berta Kennedy who has scooped this year’s award from such a strong shortlist of young artists. We hope that this recognition and the package of support will enable Berta to take the next steps in her musical career.”
For the second year, the winner of the Modern Scottish Classic Award was chosen by 2022’s Longlisted artists, recognising an outstanding album from Scotland’s past that still inspires music being made today. The winner was ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ by Cocteau Twins.
Accepting the award remotely, Robin Guthrie, a founding member of Cocteau Twins, said: “Some 40 years ago, Cocteau Twins played our first ever show in what was then a nightclub called Le Clique, just 500m down the road [from Albert Halls]. We were teenagers, we had six songs, we didn’t know much. There wasn’t the type of support the Scottish music industry now brings - but we stuck at it. Fast forward to 1989 and the stars aligned with a new studio, Elizabeth was a wee bit pregnant, and we were very slowly becoming adults. The soundtrack to this time we recorded as ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’. I’m really pleased to accept the Modern Scottish Classic Award on behalf of myself, Elizabeth and Simon. We’d like to thank the award’s Longlist who chose to recognise that this album should become a Scottish icon.”
The legacy of last year’s debut Modern Scottish Classic winners, Frightened Rabbit, continues through The SAY Award’s charity partnership with Tiny Changes, set up in memory of late frontman Scott Hutchinson. The SAY Award is developed and produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), with accessibility, inclusivity and diversity at the heart of their flagship project. Other partners for 2022 include Creative Scotland, Stirling Council, Stirling Alive With Scotland, YouTube Music, Go Forth, Ticketmaster, Spotify, PPL, Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music, Brewgooder, Stirling Distillery and Music Declares Emergency.
Previous winners of The SAY Award include Mogwai ‘As The Love Continues’ (2021), Nova ‘Re-Up’ (2020), Auntie Flo ‘Radio Highlife’ (2019), Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012).
To keep up to date with SAY Award 2022 news, follow the award on social media across Twitter@SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward and Facebook @SAYaward
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Merchant Square is the place to be this festive season
Merchant Square has it all under one roof this festive season... Christmas markets, activities and the party of the year is back!
READ MORE
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues across Scotland
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues in Scotland – including a very special Andrea Bocelli screening this weekend.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections line up blossoms with more magic this winter
Celtic Connections in partnership with Innis & Gunn has added more than 40 shows to its ever-expanding 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Claus for celebration: Santa is coming to Buchanan Galleries
Santa Claus has marked his calendar to visit Buchanan Galleries this Christmas and find out who's been naughty or nice.
READ MORE
Cast of Pavilion Panto, Beauty and the Beastie, visit famous Glasgow bakery spot
The cast of the Pavilion Panto have been spotted at the famous Auld's Bakery in St Enoch Centre ahead of the much anticipated Beauty & The Beastie.
READ MORE
Gavin & Stacey star kickstarts initiative to support the elderly this Christmas
Supermarket teams up with national treasure Larry Lamb to reimagine its in-store cafes as 'Chatty Cafés' and help spark conversations this Christmas.
READ MORE
Ermana Skincare takes wellness to new heights as podcast is picked up by leading airlines
Ermana Skincare, a Glasgow based, natural and organic skincare company has announced its Skin & Within podcast is now available as part of British Airways' and Aer Lingus' inflight entertainment.
READ MORE
New Scottish start up gets set to disrupt the market with new whiskey launch inspired by cult Glasgow novel
T Yildirim has officially launched a new Scottish blended whisky that he hopes will inspire a new generation of drinkers and will remove the stigma from those in the industry around blends.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the Biggest Black Friday Theatre Event!
As part of Trafalgar Theatres, the Pavilion Theatre will be taking part in the UK's Biggest Black Friday Theatre Event, meaning amazing theatre ticket deals for their customers!
READ MORE
Celebrate the festive season with the Mowgli Glasgow Christmas Feasting Menu
Enjoy authentic Indian street food perfect for sharing this festive season at Mowgli Glasgow!
READ MORE
New Glasgow Clan charity aims to promote healthy lifestyle
A new charity launched by the Glasgow Clan ice hockey team aims to promote the benefits of exercise and healthy eating.
READ MORE
Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland 2024 Ignites Inspiration across Scotland
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift the country with its theme of Hope.
READ MORE
Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX to headline the Glasgow Christmas lights switch on
On Sunday 17 November, Glasgow's Christmas lights switch-on will joyfully mark the start of the festive season for many.
READ MORE
BrewDog has hidden 60 Advent Calendars across its bars for craft beer lovers to find
BrewDog is relaunching its Treasure Hunt campaign in time for Christmas with 60 of its iconic Advent Calendars will be hidden across 20 selected BrewDog bars in the UK.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre announces exciting new season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly present a thrilling lineup of magical family pantos jam packed with laughter, music, song and dance featuring some of Scotland's favourite stars!
READ MORE
CBeebies announce Beauty And The Beast for their 2024 Christmas Panto
Modern Films Family in partnership with CBeebies are excited to announce that this year's CBeebies Panto is Beauty and the Beast and that it will be in cinemas during November and December.
READ MORE
Bingo All The Way at SWG3
As winter approaches and the festive season reaches fever pitch, it’s time to celebrate at the most talked about night out in the UK with plentiful magic and mayhem!
READ MORE
Garden Centre unveils festive dining for the whole family
From enjoying a jolly time at Santa's Breakfast to indulging in a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea or enjoying some seasonal drinks and cakes, customers at Dobbies are in for a treat.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces first acts
Scotland's biggest dedicated comedy festival gets set to celebrate Glasgow as the 'funniest city in the world' from 12th - 30th March 2025!
READ MORE
Young baristas brew up new skills at Glasgow Skills Academy
Young people have been brewing up new skills with the help of local coffee expert, Ryan Sinclair, as they embark on barista training at Hillington-based Skills Academy.
READ MORE
New contemporary dance degree launches in Scotland
A leading Scottish performing arts institution has launched one of the country's first artist-led Contemporary Dance degree courses.
READ MORE
Leading luxury beauty department store confirmed for Silverburn
Retail and leisure destination Silverburn has confirmed iconic luxury retailer Harrods is to expand its standalone beauty concept, H beauty, with the opening of its second Scottish store.
READ MORE
Take a whimsical trip down the rabbit hole with Somewhere by Nico in Glasgow
Somewhere by Nico in Glasgow unveils its latest immersive cocktail experience inspired by Lewis Carroll’s literary classic – Alice in Wonderland
READ MORE
Iconic Glasgow venue kicks off 35th anniversary celebrations with New Year festival
Glasgow's most iconic music venue King Tut's unveils its New Year's Revolution festival lineup marking the start of their 35th year!
READ MORE
Phil Cunningham to bring festive magic to Glasgow for annual Christmas Songbook
Phil Cunningham's beloved Christmas Songbook is set to return to Glasgow, bringing festive cheer and a captivating blend of contemporary and traditional Christmas tunes to the Concert Hall!
READ MORE
Thai food superfans offered chance to win one of 20 top prizes, including a trip to Thailand, with iconic Thai restaurant, Chaophraya
To celebrate its 20th year, Chaophraya is offering 20 lucky diners the chance to win one of 20 iconic Thai themed prizes - including a trip to Thailand guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!
READ MORE
Remus Uomo store now open at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is excited to announce the opening of Scotland's only stand-alone Remus Uomo store, bringing the renowned brand closer to shoppers.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass launches, The Last Dram, crime fiction anthology to raise money for charity
The Glencairn Glass, the world's favourite whisky glass made by Scottish company Glencairn Crystal, has launched a collection of gripping crime fiction short stories by up-and-coming crime authors.
READ MORE
Beaverbrooks invests in major refurbishment of Braehead store, increasing two and a half times in size
Family-owned national diamond, jewellery and watch retailer, Beaverbrooks, has made its largest investment of this year in its Braehead store, which has increased two and a half times in size.
READ MORE
Popular Glasgow city centre Christmas market returns with flurry of festive treats and gifts
Mary's Meals charity Christmas market takes place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on weekend of 30th November, with guest appearance from Heart FM presenter Jennifer Reoch.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links