CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Young Fathers announced as Scottish Album of the Year Award winner

Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award at the prestigious Ceremony in Stirling’s Albert Halls.

Young Fathers announced as Scottish Album of the Year Award winner

Article Source: The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Last Updated: 27 October 2023 8:51

YOUNG FATHERS CLAIM £20,000 WITH NATIONAL MUSIC PRIZE

PAOLO NUTINI’S ‘THESE STREETS’ AWARDED MODERN SCOTTISH CLASSIC AND NO WINDOWS WINS THE SOUND OF YOUNG SCOTLAND

26th October - Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award at the prestigious Ceremony in Stirling’s Albert Halls. Young Fathers claimed the title ahead of a Shortlist including Paolo Nutini, Becky Sikasa, Joesef and more, taking home £20,000 and the coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year for the third time.

Paolo Nutini’s debut record ‘These Streets’ was awarded the Modern Scottish Classic Award, in association with YouTube Music, with the Paisley singer-songwriter’s manager and sister taking to the stage to accept the award on Paolo’s behalf as he’s currently in the USA. No Windows was named The Sound of Young Scotland, winning a £10,000 funding package to create their debut album. Since its inception in 2012, The SAY Award has now distributed over £350,000 in prize money, recognised 240 Longlisted albums and championed Scottish music from legends of the scene to new and emerging artists.

Alloysious Massaquoi, Young Fathers winners of The Scottish Album of the Year Award 2023 said, “Thank you to the judges, and all the nominees and everybody that’s turned up tonight - it's a bit radge! The album is called ‘Heavy Heavy’ for a reason, it’s the trials and tribulations of everybody. It’s one of those things where we sort of had to start from scratch, it had been 4 or 5 years since we put something out since Cocoa Sugar. For us to get back together and get excited again with each other, all the ideas that everybody else brings - it's great and this is topping off a great year.

“We did two shows at the Barras and I think the Scottish crowd is one of the best - it's always nice to come to these places because it feels very homely! So it's mad, it's topping off a great year for the guys and I. One has responsibilities - he's got two bairns so he's not allowed out.I want to take a whole bunch of shots but I'm a lightweight so I just want to watch myself!

“Watching the young folk coming up there - it's inspiring. I don't think the guys and I will ever lose that - we look at stuff right across the board. There's a lot of room for inspiration here and we gain a lot of inspiration right across the board. Thank you to everybody. Thank you, we love you all and appreciate it.”


Paolo Nutini, winner of 2023’s Modern Scottish Classic Award for ‘These Streets’ said. “It was nice to hear that ‘Last Night In The Bittersweet’ was being recognised and that means a lot and hearing the news about ‘These Streets’ was a surprise to say the least. Mental news that I never expected for a minute!

“All I can say is thank you so much to those who the music means something and for listening to the songs. It’s nice to be mentioned in the same breath as these people who I have a lot of respect for.

I really appreciate it and I’m proud to be a part of it all. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there on the night to say thanks in person but please know that it means a lot. Thank you.”


No Windows, winners of The Sound of Young Scotland Award said, “Thanks so much to The SAY Award for this award. If you couldn’t tell, we didn’t write anything - it’s such an honour to just be here. We were just happy for the day out. Thank you to everyone here. Scotland right now is such an exciting time and place for music and it feels like a complete honour to be a part of that and be part of such an incredible group of musicians.”

The biggest night in Scotland’s music calendar, The SAY Award Ceremony was held in the heart of Scotland at The Albert Halls in Stirling for the second consecutive year. Hosted by Nicola Meighan and Vic Galloway, the event saw the country’s top stars celebrate the very best of Scottish music - past, present and future - in a resounding display of the strength and diversity of Scotland’s music industry.

Young Fathers are the first act to win The SAY Award for the third time. Their two previous wins came in 2014 with ‘Tape Two’ and 2018 with ‘Cocoa Sugar’. Young Fathers won the overall final prize from a record-breaking eligible album list of 437, whittled down to a Longlist of 20 and then a Shortlist of 10.

Listen to The Scottish Album of the Year, ‘Heavy Heavy’ by Young Fathers here.

Robert Kilpatrick, Interim CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said, “In 2018, Young Fathers made history by becoming the first artist to win the Scottish Album of the Year Award twice. As the band continued on a meteoric rise; defying definitions with their sound and bringing a level of energy and power that’s uniquely theirs, tonight sees them claim Scotland’s national music prize for the third time with their strongest and most mesmerising body of work to date.

“Their win signifies the importance of recognising and investing in outstanding Scottish talent, and through the support of The SAY Award (and many other well-deserved accolades), Young Fathers continue to capture the magic and bring it into the lives of music fans worldwide.

“Tonight’s win further cements their world-class status, and through doing so, Scotland’s global reputation as a country overflowing with outstanding and idiosyncratic creative talent. They’re a band we can be proud of, a band we can be inspired by and a band who, quite simply, keep astounding, delighting and enthralling us.

“This year’s Ceremony also saw us shine a spotlight on Scottish music’s bright future and rich past, with dream-pop Edinburgh duo No Windows winning the Sound of Young Scotland Award and now set to make their debut record. Paolo Nutini’s iconic 2006 debut ‘These Streets’ was also recognised as 2023’s Modern Scottish Classic Award winner; celebrated through a specially curated performance featuring some of this year’s SAY Award Nominees who chose it as the winner.

“Past, present and future, Scottish music is the stories and soundtrack of our lives. The SMIA is proud of its ongoing commitment to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry, and The SAY Award once again highlights the cultural impact and contribution of outstanding Scottish music.”


Head of Music at Creative Scotland, Alan Morrison, said, “Young Fathers’ stunning SAY Award hattrick crowns a magnificent year that saw the Edinburgh trio reach the UK Top Ten Album Chart for the first time and deliver the summer’s most talked-about set at Glastonbury. One of the foundation stones of this success was Creative Scotland’s funding of Heavy Heavy’s recording costs, proof that public funding keeps artistic excellence and cultural diversity at the forefront of Scotland’s boundless music scene. Congratulations too to No Windows whose edgy but ethereal dream-pop puts the future of our music in adventurous hands.”

Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane said, “Congratulations to all three winners, including the well-deserved 2023 Scottish Album of the Year recipient: Young Fathers, No Windows as The Sound of Young Scotland and Paolo Nutini’s ‘These Streets’ as the Modern Scottish Classic.

“Stirling’s historic Albert Halls was the perfect stage for this special event, welcoming artists and fans for a great evening’s entertainment.

“Our award winning Tolbooth theatre, well known and used by many of the Shortlisted artists, will also host an exhibition by local designer Stuart Blackman on the back of his commission to create the trophies.

“Thanks to everyone involved in making The 2023 SAY Award such a success and reaffirming Stirling’s reputation as a cultural hub and major events destination.”


Music fans, artists and industry flocked to Stirling city centre to enjoy a stellar line-up of performances before the winner was revealed. The Ceremony opened with 2022 SAY Award winner Fergus McCreadie who returned to the venue for the first time since winning, and closed with an epic live set from electronic DJ and producer TAAHLIAH. The audience enjoyed an electric performance from one of Scotland’s most exciting rising talents Dead Pony, to mark 10 years of PRS Foundation’s PPL Momentum Music Fund, before it was time for a special set celebrating the Modern Scottish Classic Award winner, Paolo Nutini’s ‘These Streets’. Guest vocalists Becky Sikasa, Shortlisted for this year’s SAY Award, and Brownbear, Longlisted this year, took to the stage with The SAY Award house band (led by former SAY nominee Joe Rattray of Admiral Fallow) to perform hits including ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’, ‘These Streets’, ‘Last Request’ and ‘New Shoes’.

Each Shortlisted album was celebrated on the night with acts including Joesef, Bemz, Andrew Wasylyk and more collecting their awards onstage and recognising the incredible talent on offer from this year’s list. The nine runners-up received £1,000 as well as statuesque concrete totems, created via The SAY Award Design Commission by local Stirling artist Brutal Concrete Workshop. Winners of each prize, The SAY Award, Modern Scottish Classic Award and Sound of Young Scotland Award, took home beautifully unique concrete and terrazzo bowls. Highlighting the enduring links between music, art and design in Scotland, The SAY Award Design Commission worked with Brutal Concrete Workshop to use low-carbon concrete and sustainable methods to create a lasting award commemorating 2023’s artists.

The SAY Award Shortlist for 2023 in alphabetical order was:

Andrew Wasylyk Hearing the Water before Seeing the Falls
Becky Sikasa Twelve Wooden Boxes
Bemz Nova’s Dad
Brìghde Chaimbeul Carry Them With Us
Brooke Combe Black Is the New Gold
Cloth Secret Measure
Hamish Hawk Angel Numbers
Joesef Permanent Damage
Paolo Nutini Last Night In The Bittersweet
Young Fathers Heavy Heavy

A panel of esteemed experts from across the UK’s creative industries gathered to debate 2023’s Shortlist and choose this year’s winner. Chaired by Arusa Qureshi, the judging panel was: Adem Holness (Head of Contemporary Music, Southbank Centre), Andrea Gibb (Screenwriter), Ariel Cohen (Strategic Partner Manager, Artist Development, YouTube Music), Becci Scotcher (Senior Grants and Programmes Manager, PRS Foundation), Charles Jeffrey (Fashion Designer), Gordon Smart (Broadcaster), John Rostron (CEO, Association of Independent Festivals), Katie Goh (Writer and Editor), Laura Boyd (Entertainment Reporter and Presenter), Pete Sparkes (Artistic Director, Drake Music Scotland), Titania Altius (Head of Member Services, PPL).

The Modern Scottish Classic Award (in association with YouTube Music) is an annual recognition of an iconic album from Scotland’s past that still inspires today, with ‘These Streets’ selected as the winner by 2023’s Longlist. The Paisley singer-songwriter was also part of this year’s Shortlist with his latest album ‘Last Night in the Bittersweet’, showcasing a career spanning over 17 years which continues to inspire new and established artists alike.

Recognised for both his debut and latest record, Paolo Nutini is one of the UK’s most talented songwriters and beloved artists and his Modern Scottish Classic Award was celebrated on the night before enjoying a four song set of tracks from ‘These Streets’.

The Sound of Young Scotland Award (supported by Help Musicians, Youth Music Initiative and Youth Music) winner was revealed on the night with No Windows chosen by a panel of 11 former SAY Award nominees. With the award aimed at providing key financial support to young and emerging artists to enable the creation of their debut album, No Windows receives a £10,000 funding package including cash grants, in-kind use of The Old Tolbooth’s recording studio in Stirling, business advice sessions with Help Musicians and up to 500 vinyl pressings from Seabass Vinyl, Scotland’s first vinyl pressing plant. No Windows was chosen as this year’s winner from a line-up of five finalists: Danny Cliff, Pearling, Pippa Blundell and Queen of Harps.

David and Dominique Harvey from Seabass Vinyl said, “Congratulations to No Windows on winning The Sound of Young Scotland Award. What fantastic recognition! We can’t wait to work with No Windows in the next coming months, and we hope you’ll visit us whilst your record is being manufactured in our plant! Supporting new artists and being involved in the Scottish music infrastructure are some of the key reasons why we started this family-run pressing plant based in East Lothian, and we’re very proud to be part of this initiative.”

The SAY Award once again joined forces with 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.
The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production and has distributed over £350,000 in prize money to Scottish artists since its inception in 2012. The SAY Award 2023 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Stirling Council, Stirling Alive with Culture, YouTube Music, Seabass Vinyl, Ticketmaster, Help Musicians, HMV, FOPP, PPL, Spotify, Go Forth Stirling, Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music, Music Declares Emergency and The Golden Lion Hotel.

Now in its twelfth year, previous winners of The SAY Award are: 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).

Now in its third year, previous winners of the Modern Scottish Classic Award are: Cocteau Twins ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ (2022) and Frightened Rabbit ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ (2021).

Also in its third year, previous winners of The Sound of Young Scotland Award are: Berta Kennedy (2022) and LVRA (2021).

Follow the award on social media across Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward, Facebook @SAYaward and TikTok @thesayaward

Sponsored Links

The Quay
LAMS

Latest Lanarkshire News

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

READ MORE
Mid Century Modern architecture celebrated in new exhibition

Mid Century Modern architecture celebrated in new exhibition

Mid Century Modern: Putting Scotland on the Map, an exhibition exploring the Mid-Century Modern architectural movement in Scotland, is set to open at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre tomorrow.

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle invites couples to share cherished memories from iconic Hamilton venue

Crossbasket Castle invites couples to share cherished memories from iconic Hamilton venue

Crossbasket Castle is calling on couples who have a memorable story to tell from the original Hamilton venue 'The Trocadero', which first opened in the 1950s.

READ MORE
Alona Hotel to host Valentine Mystery

Alona Hotel to host Valentine Mystery

If you're looking for something unusual to do to celebrate Valentine's Day, the four-star Alona Hotel at Strathclyde Country Park is hosting a Murder Mystery evening!

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
itison Us charity call out

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

READ MORE
Galactic Carnival is landing in Glasgow

Galactic Carnival is landing in Glasgow

Scotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!

READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

READ MORE
New Something About Lennon show to tour across the UK in 2025

New Something About Lennon show to tour across the UK in 2025

A compelling new celebration of the life and music of legendary Liverpool icon John Lennon is set to embark on a major UK tour in 2025, which includes a night in Airdire in May!

READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.

READ MORE
Launch day queues form for the famous Louisiana chicken as Popeyes opens in East Kilbride

Launch day queues form for the famous Louisiana chicken as Popeyes opens in East Kilbride

OPEN NOW: Chicken Fans queued overnight at new East Kilbride drive-thru for the Chicken Sandwich that 'broke the internet'!

READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!

READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

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

READ MORE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

READ MORE
New Lanark launches cinema and film festival celebrating Scottish cinema

New Lanark launches cinema and film festival celebrating Scottish cinema

New Lanark World Heritage Site is thrilled to announce its newly licensed cinema, positioning it as a cornerstone for celebrating Scottish films and storytelling.

READ MORE
Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.

READ MORE
Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

READ MORE
IRN BRU team up with YO! to offer haggis sushi to reimagine Burns Supper in Glasgow

IRN BRU team up with YO! to offer haggis sushi to reimagine Burns Supper in Glasgow

IRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.

READ MORE
Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

READ MORE
Hopeful parents across Glasgow are invited to adoption event

Hopeful parents across Glasgow are invited to adoption event

Kibble Adoption, the newly launched service from the children's care charity, is inviting people to join them for an event that highlights the benefits of adoption for both parents and children.

READ MORE
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

READ MORE
Folk favourites ready to hit the Cumbernauld stage this January

Folk favourites ready to hit the Cumbernauld stage this January

Cumbernauld audiences can look forward to nights of joyously irresistible traditional music, with a succession of folk music stars set to visit Lanternhouse this Spring.

READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

ACAOS
Ayrshire Hospice
ATG

Sponsored Links

The Quay
LAMS
ACAOS
Ayrshire Hospice
ATG

Popular Events

Chatelherault Market
Held weekly on Sundays from 9.30am - 3pm, Chatelherault Market showcases the best produce Scotland has to offer!
The Spice Girls Experience
Fresh off the back of their stint as opening act for Adele's Munich Residency, The Spice Girls Experience are super-excited to be touring the UK, don't miss them at Lanark Memorial Hall in June!
Live Wire - The AC/DC Show
The hugely successful and unique six-man tribute to rock music's greatest band AC/DC returns to Lanark Memorial Hall on Friday 4th July!
Lanark Market Car Boot Sale
An undercover car boot sale is held at Lanark Agricultural Market on Sundays throughout the year from 8am to 1pm!
Bruce Fummey - Scotland Made the World
Bruce Fummey, the comedian behind YouTube channel Scotland History Tours, returns with a new show. Expect laughs galore and quirky observations as Bruce explains how Scotland Made the World!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton