The Say Award announce the 2021 shortlist
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award is today delighted to reveal 2021’s Shortlist, plus the winner of the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, as voted by 2021’s Longlist.
Article Source: The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Last Updated: 7 October 2021 15:56
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award is today delighted to reveal 2021’s Shortlist, plus the winner of the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, as voted by 2021’s Longlist.
The highly-anticipated Shortlist celebrates the country’s most outstanding albums and the incredible network of people who created them. From 327 eligible album submissions, to a Longlist of 20 records, these final ten albums remain in the running to win £20,000, one of the most lucrative prize funds in the UK, at this month’s ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall as Scotland’s national music prize celebrates its 10th year.
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 will be recognised on the night of The SAY Award Ceremony.
In alphabetical order, The SAY Award Shortlist for 2021 is as follows:
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.’
The winner of this year’s Public Vote was Stanley Odd - ‘STAY ODD’, with the remaining nine albums chosen by the esteemed judging panel. 2021’s panel includes the likes of Ian Rankin (Author), Jackie Kay (Poet), Daniel Portman (Actor) and Ashley Storrie (Comedian), as well as Tim Burgess (Musician, The Charlatans), whose “Tim’s Twitter Listening Parties” sound tracked the UK’s lockdown for many by bringing artists and audiences together to listen, discuss and celebrate albums both past and present.
Robert Kilpatrick, Creative Projects and Communications Director at the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said, “The SAY Award Shortlist comprises 10 of the best Scottish records of the last year; all released throughout the pandemic. With some of the biggest names in Scottish music featured alongside some of our nation’s most exciting rising talents, 2021’s Shortlist showcases the exciting, diverse and resilient nature of our music community despite 18 months of significant challenges. It firmly recognises music’s cultural impact and life-changing value, and brings to the forefront a recorded output that all of us in Scotland can – and should – feel proud of.
Along with this year’s Shortlist announcement, we’re delighted to reveal the winner of the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, as chosen by the 20 artists that made up this year’s Longlist. ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ by Frightened Rabbit is a record that many of us hold close to our hearts, and for it to claim the inaugural prize is a special moment for both The SAY Award and Scotland’s music community as a whole. It’s a record we’re proud to be honouring this year, and one we know will continue to be both celebrated and cherished for many years to come.
As we quickly approach this year’s Ceremony, we look forward to welcoming attendees from across the cultural landscape, as well as music fans for the first time as we get set to host our biggest event to date. On 23rd October we’ll be recognising both this year’s Nominees and 10 incredible years of The SAY Award, which since 2012 has played the important and privileged role of championing outstanding Scottish albums and rewarding artists for invaluable contributions to our cultural identity as a nation. We hope you can join us, and we’re looking forward to a much needed and well deserved night for our artists, industry and wider music community to come together after such a tough and turbulent time spent apart.”
The SAY Award Design Commission, in association with OVO Energy and curated by Local Heroes, highlights the enduring links between music, art and design and will provide a lasting tribute for all 10 Shortlisted artists, as well as the inaugural winners of both the Modern Scottish Classic Award and the Sound of Young Scotland Award. Each year, an emerging designer is commissioned to create bespoke prizes for the artists, and in association with OVO Energy for 2021, the trophies will have a major sustainability focus. Stay tuned for the first look at 2021’s awards via SAY socials.
Colin Banks, Head of Sponsorship & Partnerships, OVO Energy said: “We’re delighted to come onboard to support this year’s Scottish Album of the Year Award, especially 2021’s Design Commission. We can’t wait to reveal this year’s bespoke awards and know they will be a lasting memory for each artist and their album’s outstanding achievements over the past year. It’s been a difficult 18 months for the music industry so we’re looking forward to celebrating Scotland’s national album prize, while also helping the Award programme in becoming more sustainable.”
The winner of The SAY Award will collect £20,000 while all nine runners-up will be awarded £1,000 and their own bespoke award. Following a digital edition in 2020, the event returns as a physical ceremony, welcoming guests to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Saturday 23rd October. For the first time since the award’s inception, music fans are able to join the celebrations and purchase tickets to attend one of the most exciting nights in Scotland’s musical calendar.
This year’s Ceremony will celebrate the strength and diversity of Scottish music; past, present and future. The event will recognise 2021’s Nominees and feature special one-of-a-kind live performances, along with the exclusive reveal of the Scottish Album of the Year. By the end of 2021’s campaign, The SAY Award will have distributed almost £300,000 in prize money to Scottish artists, with 2021 set to be another stellar year in showcasing the best of Scotland’s world-renowned musical talent.
2021 has seen the introduction of two new awards for SAY’s tenth year, with the ‘Modern Scottish Classic Award’ and the ‘Sound of Young Scotland Award’. A panel of previous SAY Award nominees including Kobi Onyame, Sacred Paws, SHHE and more will choose the winner of ‘The Sound of Young Scotland Award’, with the winner receiving up to £5,000 funding to facilitate the creation of their debut album as well as 500 vinyl pressings of the finished record. Supported by Key Production, Youth Music and Youth Music Initiative (Creative Scotland), The Sound of Young Scotland Award was designed to invest in Scottish music’s future and provide vital support to an emerging artist. The winner will be announced at this year’s SAY Award Ceremony.
Developed and produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), the 2021 campaign is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council, YouTube Music, Spotify, Ticketmaster and PPL with Music Declares Emergency returning as the award’s Charity Partner for a second year. With COP26 taking place in Glasgow throughout November, sustainability is at the heart of The SAY Award’s plans, and the SMIA will look to use its flagship project to demonstrate and instill best practice for the music industry both now and in the future. Further to The SAY Award’s commitment to sustainability, the Scottish music initiative is also delighted to announce that it has partnered up with OVO Energy to create a more sustainable event, with more exciting information on the new partnership to be revealed over the next couple of weeks.
Now in its tenth year, previous winners of The SAY Award include 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 with The SAY Award 2021 journey, make sure you follow the award on Twitter @SAYaward,
Instagram @sayaward
Facebook @SAYaward.
Tickets can be purchased through this link: https://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/scottish-album-year-say-award-ceremony-2021
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Halloween takes over town this weekend
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links