Nominations Open for Scottish Album of the Year Award

Artists, labels and the public are being encouraged to nominate albums released between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017 for this year's SAY Award!

Article Source: Scottish Album of the Year Award
Last Updated: 1 March 2017 16:23

The 6th annual Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has launched for 2017, encouraging artists, labels and the general public to nominate eligible albums released between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017 on The SAY Award website.

The SAY Award is a prestigious and exciting arts prize produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), with confirmed partners for 2017 including Paisley for UK City of Culture 2021, Creative Scotland, TicketWeb and PPL. The award celebrates, promotes and rewards the most outstanding Scottish albums released each year. Respected by artists and valued by the industry, The SAY Award is responsible for a surge in musical discovery and an explosion of impassioned debate on social media.

Once all eligible albums have been collated, 100 impartial ‘Nominators’, chosen from press, radio, music venues, jazz, classical, traditional folk, retail and elsewhere in the arts, will consider titles from The SAY Award’s Eligible Album List, nominating their five favourite albums and ranking them in order of preference. The 20 highest scoring albums will make up The SAY Award Longlist for 2017, announced on May 24th. The Longlist will be further whittled down to a shortlist of 10 albums, one of which will be chosen by the public during a 72-hour public vote (12-14 June) and the others decided by a panel of prestigious judges. The SAY Award 2017 Shortlist will be announced on June 15th as part of a BBC Quay Sessions show, with the award ceremony then taking place on June 28th in the surroundings of Paisley's elegant Town Hall, in support of Paisley’s bid for Paisley to become UK City of Culture 2021. The winning artist will pick up a £20,000 cash prize, provided by long term Award partner Creative Scotland. The 9 runners up will each be awarded a £1,000 prize, as well as an exclusively designed piece of artwork from the SAY Award Design Commission.

Robert Kilpatrick, Projects and Operations Manager at the SMIA, said: "The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is delighted to present The SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) Award 2017. Now in its sixth year, the impact of The SAY Award on an artist’s career is indisputable, while the anticipation and excitement around the campaign and award ceremony reflects the award’s growing cultural significance. We’re delighted to see Scotland’s pre-eminent arts prize launch for 2017, with the award placing a spotlight on the wealth of musical talent our country produces year after year."

For the second year running, The SAY Award ceremony will be taking place in the historic town of Paisley, a place with a deep cultural heritage, not only in music but across the arts. Mark Macmillan, Renfrewshire Council Leader and Chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board said: "The SAY Award is one of the biggest dates in Scotland's musical calendar and we are delighted to welcome it back to Paisley Town Hall for a second year.

"The town has a thriving music scene and is fast establishing itself as a key destination on Scotland's major events map. To be able to attract and host an event of the importance of the SAY Award is a big boost for Paisley ahead of the town's bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 being lodged."

Alex Kapranos of FFS was shortlisted in 2016, and said: “It’s a real honour to be nominated for The SAY Award."

Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland, said: “Scotland’s music excels in every genre, and there’s no better snapshot of our world-class talent than the list of nominees competing each year for the SAY Award. This is diversity in action: folk, hip hop, indie, rock, pop, electronica, classical, jazz… everything that makes up the vibrant Scottish scene has a voice here. The SAY Award is also a celebration of Scotland’s wider music industry, as work that’s released down a DIY route sits shoulder to shoulder with chart hits from the majors and the cream of Scotland’s home-based indie labels. It’s a great way to cheer on your personal favourites while discovering new music at the same time.”

Previous winners of the Award include Bill Wells and Aiden Moffat (2012), RM Hubbert (2013), Young Fathers (2014), Kathryn Joseph (2015) and last years winner Anna Meredith, who won with her critically acclaimed full length debut album Varmints. Anna spoke of her involvement with The SAY Award: “It has been a total honour and a privilege to be considered for The SAY Award. It’s been great getting to know the other albums and during these politically difficult times to see positivity, creativity and spirit coming out of the longlist and shortlist.”

To nominate an album, please visit The SAY Award website for guidelines and more information: www.sayaward.com
#SAYAward #SAYeligible17

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

Latest Lanarkshire News

Social Bite unveils new village project for South Lanarkshire

Social Bite has taken a significant step forward in its mission with permission granted yesterday from South Lanarkshire Council on a proposed Social Bite Village in Rutherglen.

A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly

National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.

Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror

Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!

The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024

Aldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.

Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.

Scot no loyalties: Glasgow and Aberdeen rank top cities to skip anniversary with a partner to watch sports

34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Summerlee celebrates four millionth visitor

Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.

Spread your wings with new butterfly experience at Amazonia

Amazonia, Scotland's popular temperature controlled tropical indoor forest, has launched a new butterfly experience.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

Topgolf Glasgow to host live Masters watch party

Calling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Meet your favourite superheroes at M&Ds

M&D's is to host a free weekend for comic fans and movie buffs at Scotland's Theme Park with the chance to meet a packed line-up of favourite characters!

Lanark Amateur Musical Society raise a thousand pounds for their 2024 charity partner

Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK as part of their 2024 charity partnership.

Airdrie Town Hall to reopen with exciting entertainment lineup for 2024

Airdrie Town Hall will reopen in April as an entertainment and arts venue, following its use in recent years by NHS Lanarkshire.

Bothwell Castle reopens to visitors

Bothwell Castle, one of medieval Scotland's most outstanding monuments, has reopened to visitors.

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

From an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.