SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

Article Source: SAY Award
Last Updated: 12 September 2024 16:16

12th Sept - Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024’s Longlist. Featuring 11 debut albums, previous SAY Award winners, Mercury Prize nominees and an eclectic range of genres, The SAY Award Longlist in alphabetical order is:

Afterlands: We Are the Animals in the Night
Amy Laurenson: Strands
Arab Strap: I'm totally fine with it don't give a fuck anymore
Barry Can't Swim: When Will We Land?
Becky Sikasa: The Writings and the Pictures and the Song
Bee Asha: Goodbye, Gracious
Blue Rose Code: Bright Circumstance
Broken Chanter: Chorus Of Doubt
corto.alto: Bad With Names
Dead Pony: IGNORE THIS
Empire State Bastard: Rivers of Heresy
Fergus McCreadie: Stream
Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand: Willson Williams
Lucia & The Best Boys: Burning Castles
Lewis: Halocline
Mama Terra: The Summoned
Rachel Sermanni: Dreamer Awake
rEDOLENT: dinny greet
The Snuts: Millennials
Theo Bleak: Pain

All 20 albums are now in the running for the £20,000 prize and coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year, with the winner set to be unveiled at this year’s Ceremony, taking place on Thursday 24th October at Stirling’s Albert Halls. Buy tickets for The SAY Award Ceremony now via www.sayaward.com

The SAY Award Longlist is a result of an extraordinary nationwide consultation amongst Scotland’s music and arts communities. 100 impartial ‘Nominators’, chosen from sectors including journalism, music retail and music venues across Scotland, nominate and rank their five favourite eligible albums in order of preference. The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) – who produce the award – assigns a score to each title in a Nominator’s Top 5, with the 20 highest scoring albums forming The SAY Award Longlist.

Whittled down from 370 eligible album submissions, this year’s Longlist showcases talent from across Scotland, from the Central Belt to the Scottish Highlands with artists hailing from Skye, Shetland, Glasgow, Edinburgh and more. The Longlist includes 11 debut albums, two 2024 Mercury Prize nominees, one former SAY Award winner and genres from jazz, traditional, metal and folk.

Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said, “Each year, The SAY Award provides a bold and unifying platform where Scotland’s most outstanding albums – across all genres – can be celebrated, discovered and championed. On behalf of the SMIA, I’d like to say a massive congratulations to each of this year’s nominees.

“It’s been a really difficult few weeks for Scotland’s cultural sector, coming after a tough few years. The SAY Award Longlist highlights the strength and diversity of Scottish creative talent, and the essential role that our cultural output plays in helping us reflect on who we are as a nation – what we stand for, how we view our place in the world and how we connect with our past, present and future.

“Scottish music not only enriches our identity, but also delivers tangible returns for our economy. In 2018, Scotland’s music industry generated £195 million, and music tourism alone contributed £406 million, funding vital public services across the country. This highlights the significance of music in driving growth and creating jobs, in addition to its invaluable social and cultural contributions.

“The challenges our sector has faced in recent weeks demonstrates the urgent need for sustained and increased investment. Without this, the future of many artists and cultural organisations remains uncertain, and it’s therefore essential that we continue to advocate for the long-term commitment that Scottish culture both needs and deserves.

“Scottish music is the soundtrack and stories of our lives. The SMIA remains firmly committed to the continued value of music and the arts, and I'd like to extend my thanks to our SAY Award partners, whose continued support makes Scotland’s national music prize possible. We look forward to returning to Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24 October for The SAY Award Ceremony, and I hope that many of you can join us.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said, “Yet again The SAY Award Longlist is full of surprises, discoveries and albums that became instant favourites. It’s a brilliant snapshot of the ambition and creativity that exists in every music genre in Scotland and a testament to the talent and commitment of the country’s musicians. Creative Scotland, through Scottish Government regular funding to the Scottish Music Industry Association, is proud to support an event that so passionately champions the albums that form the soundtrack to our daily lives.”

Stirling Council leader Cllr Chris Kane said, “The announcement of this terrific Longlist marks the latest exciting milestone ahead of The Scottish Album of the Year Award Ceremony.

“Stirling is home to a vibrant live music scene and a number of the acts to make the Longlist have performed, or have upcoming shows, at our award-winning Tolbooth venue.

“It has been a huge privilege for Stirling to host the most exciting night in Scotland’s musical calendar over the last two years and we’re proud to be welcoming the great and good of Scotland’s music industry back to the magnificent Albert Halls next month as one of the key highlights of our 900th anniversary celebrations.”

Longlist artist quotes

Arab Strap: “We've always seen The SAY Award as more of a celebration than a competition, and we're chuffed we'll be part of the party this year. Making an album isn't easy, and releasing a record is an achievement in itself - so well done to everyone who was eligible. Scotland's always been packed full of music, and it's great that we have our own wee night to show off.”

Barry Can’t Swim: “I'm really proud to have my debut 'When Will We Land?' nominated as one of the Scottish Albums of the Year. There's so many incredible artists and especially electronic acts that have broken out of Scotland these past few years. It's a great time for the scene at home, and I'm proud to have two friends from my time at Uni (Edinburgh Napier) on the album - shoutout somedeadbeat and Blackboxx.”

Bee Asha: “I canny believe it! I am so excited to be Longlisted. This has been an incredibly tough year and I've felt my energy levels draining so this has been a much needed boost. So much love to everyone that has contributed to this album, I truly appreciate my community. Thank you <3.”

corto.alto: “Just like many Scottish artists and music producers, being on The SAY Award Longlist has been a dream of mine since as long as I can remember. There is so much amazing music released every year in Scotland, and I'm so proud, honoured and humbled to have my debut album ‘Bad With Names’ on this prestigious list.”

Lucia & the Best Boys: “We are thrilled to be longlisted for The SAY Award 2024. Growing up, we watched Scotland's incredible talent being recognised year after year, and it’s an honour to be part of that legacy. ‘Burning Castles’ is deeply personal, capturing the emotional journey of my 20s—heartbreak, healing, and love. The album is a tribute to our Scottish roots, recorded on the Isle of Lewis and influenced by the land and our hometown of Glasgow. For us, both The SAY Award and ‘Burning Castles’ celebrate the vibrancy of Scotland’s music, past and present.”

Malin Lewis: “I’m so delighted to hear ‘Halocline’ has been Longlisted for The SAY Award! This album means so much to me, bringing together nature, the highlands, bagpipe making and my life experiences as a trans person. I’m so grateful to everyone that has listened to and supported ‘Halocline’; it’s a joy to hear your connection to the music and the memories you’ve made with it so far. My biggest heartfelt thanks to all the lovely people who helped make it, I hope we can do it all again soon!”

rEDOLENT: “Getting this nod really gave us a morale boost in quite a tricky moment. We're all grateful things like The SAY Award exists and even more grateful to be involved, it really helps.”

The Snuts: “This is a very special record for the band. It’s the first album we’ve created and released independently and enjoyed the full process of recording and touring it. As always we thank our fans for the incredible support which made this album campaign so amazing.”

The Longlist will now be whittled down to a Shortlist of 10 albums, one of which will be chosen by music fans via a 72-hour online public vote. The remaining nine albums will be chosen by The SAY Award judging panel, with the Shortlist announced on Thursday 3 October. Along with The SAY Award Shortlist Announcement, the five finalists for 2024’s Sound of Young Scotland Award will be exclusively revealed; all in the running to win a funding package worth up to £10,000 to support the creation of a debut album.

One of the most highly anticipated nights in Scotland’s musical calendar, music fans can buy tickets to attend The SAY Award Ceremony, joining an audience of artists, industry professionals, press and cultural tastemakers to celebrate outstanding Scottish music, with a series of special live performances on the night. The SAY Award judging panel will reconvene to select 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year Award winner, exclusively announced at 2024’s ceremony, alongside this year’s Modern Scottish Classic and Sound of Young Scotland winners.

The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production. The SAY Award 2024 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Stirling Council, Stirling Alive with Culture, Seabass Vinyl, Ticketmaster, Help Musicians, HMV, FOPP, PPL, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music, Music Declares Emergency and Hotel Colessio (hotel partner for The SAY Award Ceremony).

The SAY Award’s charity partner is Scotland’s national children’s and young people’s mental health charity, Tiny Changes, set up in memory of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison to help young minds feel better.

Now in its thirteenth year, previous winners of The SAY Award include; Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ (2023), Fergus McCreadie ‘Forest Floor’ (2022), 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).

SAY Award Ceremony tickets are on sale now via www.sayaward.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Monster Jam Ramped Up roars into Glasgow for the first time with the all new Monstergon

The most adrenaline-charged and full-throttle family fun experience arrives at OVO Hydro this weekend!

Sole Club Glasgow introduces bold new dining concepts

After a creative and exciting six months since its inception, Sole Club will launch two new culinary experiences from 27th September.

Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre loved books for kids

Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre-loved children's books for onward gifting to families who have fewer books of their own.

Final Countdown: One month left to enter photography competition

Time is running out to enter Caledonian Sleeper's photography competition aimed at encouraging everyone to capture views of the most scenic locations on route between Scotland and London.

Students can get their hands on gig tickets, meal vouchers and more with the Gumball Gig Machine

King Tut's and Gigs in Scotland, are teaming up to inspire a new generation of music fans in the city, offering students gig tickets and free entry to some of Glasgow's coolest experiences!

Glory for Scots speakers at national awards

The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2024 were crowned on Saturday at a celebratory ceremony in Ayrshire.

Over 900 supporters and their teddy bears took part in a charity walk at the weekend

On Saturday, more than 900 supporters and their teddy bears took to the streets of Glasgow for Kami Bear's Teddy Trail, raising vital funds for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to host London Philharmonic Orchestra

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is set to welcome back one of the world's best and most famous orchestras.

Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones with Dobbies

For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea.

Brand new live psychological skill game show with cash prize will storm the nation this Christmas!

A game of lies, skill, deceit and manipulation. The ultimate psychological gameshow experience is coming to Glasgow, how far will you go for a £1000 cash prize?

Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador, Anton Danyluk serves breakfast at Skypark

Skypark hosted the Big Scottish Breakfast on 11th September, to raise funds for the campaign while STV Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador Anton Danyluk helped to serve breakfast.

SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

Celentanos teams up with The Gate for a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next week

Modern Scottish pub, The Gate is teaming up with foodie favourite, Celentano's and Campari to host a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next weekend.

Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom

Unsigned Edinburgh indie rock band wrest have sold out the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow - without industry support, a manager or label backing.

New drinks delivery service launches in Glasgow

Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service is the first in the UK to offer TikTok's hottest trending drinks – and some households might get a surprise visit from a leading mixologist

Fat Hippo Glasgow launch brand new breakfast menu

Is BURG-fast the most important meal of the day? Burger giants Fat Hippo would agree as they throw their buns into the breakfast menu ring this month.

BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.

Courtney Bowman to star as Lauren in Kinky Boots

Courtney Bowman will join Strictly's Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots at the King's Theatre Glasgow in February!

First look at new production of War Horse, the award winning National Theatre production coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Brand new production images have been released for the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel.

Govan walking group hailed as a highlight of the week by Care Home Residents

A Govan social enterprise has partnered with a local care home to provide much-needed exercise, stimulation and entertainment for residents.

Festive Fever: Best Christmas Party Nights in Glasgow for 2024

'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be very merry, so make sure you do it in style this year at one of Glasgow’s top shared party nights!

Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.

Platform brews up new craft beer experiences including Oktoberfest & Hands On Brew School at microbrewery

Multi-faceted venue, Platform is gearing up for a season of craft beer with two brand-new experiences launching this autumn.

Sports clubs across Glasgow and the west awarded funding from Aldi Scotland Awards

Aldi Scotland has invested £7,500 in nine local sports clubs across Glasgow and the West, as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.

Sunny Govan lives up to its name as it puts best foot forward for Footbridge Festival

Govan put its best foot forward as it staged a free one-off festival on Saturday to mark the opening of the new Govan-Partick Bridge.

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.