SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Article Source: The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Last Updated: 3 October 2024 13:51
3rd October - The winner is set to gain the coveted title along with the £20,000 first prize. Plus, Martyn Bennett’s final studio album ‘Grit’ is announced as the winner of 2024’s Modern Scottish Classic Award, voted for by the 20 artists that made up this year’s SAY Award Longlist.
The SAY Award has also revealed this year’s five Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists, with the winner set to be revealed at this year’s Ceremony in Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24th October, alongside the SAY Award winner.
The SAY Award Shortlist for 2024, in alphabetical order, is:
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
corto.alto Bad With Names
Dead Pony IGNORE THIS
Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand Willson Williams
Lucia & The Best Boys Burning Castles
Rachel Sermanni Dreamer Awake
rEDOLENT dinny greet
Theo Bleak Pain
Music fans were given 72 hours to ‘have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Longlisted album to secure a place on the Shortlist, with Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand revealed as this year’s public vote winner. The 9 remaining Shortlisted albums were chosen by The SAY Award judging panel.
The Modern Scottish Classic Award, presented by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), is an annual recognition of an iconic album from Scotland’s past that still inspires today. The award was voted for by 2024’s Longlisted artists, with Martyn Bennett’s ‘Grit’ (2003) named this year’s Modern Scottish Classic.
The five finalists for The Sound of Young Scotland Award (supported by Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music) have also been announced. The award aims to stimulate and support the future of Scottish music, offering a funding package worth up to £10,000 to a young and emerging Scottish artist to assist them in creating their debut album. 2024’s finalists are: Alice Faye, Dillon Barrie, Goliath, Pippa Blundell and Spyres.
Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “Congratulations to the 10 incredible albums that have made The SAY Award Shortlist, as well as to our Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists and this year’s Modern Scottish Classic Award winner; Martyn Bennett's outstanding, innovative and much-loved record ‘Grit’. This is a fantastic representation of the strength and diversity of Scottish music – past, present and future.
“In what has been – and continues to be – an incredibly challenging time for Scotland's cultural sector, The SAY Award’s role in celebrating, promoting and rewarding artistic endeavour is more important than ever. Culture is our identity; it’s how we understand ourselves, our place in the world and how we connect with each other. It tells the stories of life in Scotland and is essential to our collective and individual well-being. By championing the incredible musical output of our nation, we share our stories with the rest of the world and find new ways to connect.
“Scottish music not only enriches who we are but also contributes significantly to our economy, generating £195 million in 2018 alone, with music tourism adding £406 million. These figures show the profound impact of music, not just culturally, but in creating jobs, driving growth and funding vital public services. Without sustained and increased investment, however, the future for many of our artists and cultural organisations remains uncertain. It’s therefore essential that we continue to advocate for the long-term commitment that Scottish culture both needs and deserves.
"The SMIA is proud of its ongoing commitment to the continued value of music and the arts in Scotland, and The SAY Award is a vital part of this work. A huge thank you to our partners for their invaluable support, and we look forward to an unforgettable celebration at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24 October.”
BJ Stewart, one of the founding members of the Martyn Bennett Trust and Martyn’s close friend and photographer, said: “The Martyn Bennett Trust is deeply honoured that Grit has been awarded the 2024 Modern Scottish Classic Award. This recognition is especially meaningful coming from fellow artists across Scotland's diverse music scene, reflecting the enduring impact of Martyn’s work.
"‘Grit’ unites ancient and modern sounds, blending traditions with contemporary influences and championing marginalised voices. We are thrilled that ‘Grit’ continues to inspire and influence musicians from so many different genres and backgrounds, much as Martyn himself sought to unite those elements in his work.
"This award reaffirms his vision of music as a force for connection and unity, as relevant today as it was in 2003. We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish Music Industry Association, The SAY Award nominees, and everyone who continues to celebrate Martyn’s music. Thank you.”
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley said: “We can’t wait to welcome Scotland’s most exciting musical artists to Stirling’s Albert Halls on 26 October for The Scottish Album of the Year Award.
“The announcement of The SAY Award Shortlist signals that the countdown is firmly on for one of the biggest events for Scotland’s music industry.
“Stirling has a strong track record for hosting major cultural events and are proud to have been home to The SAY Award Ceremony for three successive years.Stirling’s venues will continue to showcase and nurture Scotland’s creative talent and we look forward to celebrating these amazing artists at this year’s ceremony.”
2024’s SAY Award Shortlist, Modern Scottish Classic Award winner and Sound of Young Scotland finalists will be celebrated at this year’s Ceremony, culminating in a celebration of Scottish music past, present and future. One of the biggest nights in Scottish music, the Ceremony takes place in the heart of Scotland at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24th October. Final tickets from www.sayaward.com
The Modern Scottish Classic Award, presented by the SMIA, is annually selected by the 20 artists on The SAY Award Longlist. All 20 artists submit their top 5 Scottish albums, which pre-date the inception of The SAY Award (2011), and continue to inspire to this day.
Martyn Bennet’s final studio album ‘Grit’ is the fourth recipient of the Modern Scottish Classic Award. A record which is widely credited with starting the musical evolution of Celtic fusion, it features tracks including ‘Blackbird’, ‘Chanter’ and ‘Move’, where Martyn expertly blended Scottish traditional music and singers with cutting edge electronica and dance beats.
His fifth album, ‘Grit’ featured the traditional singers, largely travellers, that Martyn was raised on, showcasing the astonishing purity of the past whilst basking in modern dance culture. Martyn battled with Hodgkins Lymphoma throughout the making of the album, undergoing extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as a bone marrow transplant. No longer able to play instruments himself, ‘Grit’ was his sole artistic outlet. Martyn Bennett passed away 15 months after the release of ‘Grit’, in January 2005 at 33 years old, following a short but extraordinary career that has left a stunning musical legacy, not only in Scotland, but around the world.
The Modern Scottish Classic Award winner was voted for by 2024’s SAY Award Longlist, whilst the Sound of Young Scotland finalists were chosen by a panel of former SAY Award nominees including Hamish Hawk, Lizzie Reid and former winner LVRA. The Sound of Young Scotland judging panel whittled 66 eligible applicants down to the five finalists, and will reconvene to choose the winner which will be announced at 2024’s SAY Award Ceremony.
Supporting the next generation of Scottish talent, the Sound of Young Scotland Award funding package is worth up to £10,000 and includes: cash grants for studio/production costs, in-kind use of The Tolbooth in Stirling (inc. the studio, venue space for filming etc.), a performance slot at 2025’s SAY Award Ceremony, 250 vinyl pressings of their debut album from Seabass Vinyl and much more. Supported by Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music, the judging panel will choose from five finalists: Alice Faye, Dillon Barrie, Goliath, Pippa Blundell and Spyres.
Morag Macdonald, Youth Music Initiative Manager at Creative Scotland said: “The Sound of Young Scotland Award is a vital platform for emerging talent, offering not only financial support but also the tools and opportunities young artists need to take their first steps towards making their mark on the Scottish music scene. This award shines a spotlight on the incredible creativity and potential of the next generation. We’re delighted to offer this award with funding through the Youth Music Initiative and look forward to witnessing the evolution of these young artists.”
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 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, Harviestoun Brewery 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 for £18 + booking fee: www.sayaward.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Award winning show Stuntman comes to Paisley Arts Centre
Award-winning Scottish company SUPERFAN will bring their high-octane smash hit Edinburgh Fringe show Stuntman to Paisley Arts Centre on Wednesday 17th September!
READ MORE
Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025
Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction
M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Winners of the 2025 Love Paisley Star Awards unveiled
The winners of this year's Love Paisley Star Awards have been announced.
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Young people bring colour to Paisley through new murals
Young people have created three vibrant new murals to transform an area of Seedhill, Paisley.
READ MORE
Iconic buildings across Renfrewshire set to welcome visitors for Doors Open Days 2025
Spectacular venues from across Renfrewshire will welcome visitors as part of this year's Doors Open Days.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Beat the Street is returning to Renfrewshire
An interactive game encouraging people of all ages to get active and explore their local surroundings is set to return to towns and villages across Renfrewshire this autumn.
READ MORE
Momentum builds at Braehead with surge in sales, footfall and leasing
SGS UK Retail has announced that Braehead Shopping Centre is going from strength to strength, headlining outstanding sales and footfall growth for the year to date.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Home town hero Callum Hawkins wins record breaking Paisley 10k
More than 5,500 people have taken part in the Paisley 10k and 3k Fun Run, setting a new record for the event.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links