The Scottish Album of the Year Award announce 2021’s longlist for bumper 10th year 17 Sep 2021
20 OUTSTANDING SCOTTISH ALBUMS ANNOUNCED VIA VIRTUAL ‘LIVE AT THE LONGLIST’
ARTISTS IN THE RUNNING FOR £20K PRIZE AND COVETED TITLE INCLUDE BEMZ, BIFFY CLYRO, LIZZIE REID, MOGWAI, TAAHLIAH, THE SNUTS AND MORE
MUSIC FANS GIVEN CHANCE TO ‘HAVE THEIR SAY’ IN PUBLIC VOTE
SAY AWARD CEREMONY OPEN TO MUSIC FANS FOR THE FIRST TIME, WITH TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR 23 OCTOBER EVENT AT EDINBURGH’S USHER HALL
BUY SAY AWARD CEREMONY TICKETS HERE
#SAYaward
Scotland’s national music prize, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, has officially announced the twenty outstanding Scottish albums which have made it onto this year’s coveted Longlist in the award’s tenth year; whittled down from 327 eligible albums by 100 impartial music industry Nominators. All twenty albums were released during the COVID-19 pandemic, amidst huge turmoil for the music industry, making it an even more extraordinary feat for each and every artist.
In alphabetical order, The SAY Award Longlist for 2021 is as follows:
AiiTee – 'Love Don't Fall'
Andrew Wasylyk – 'Fugitive Light And Themes Of Consolation'
Arab Strap – 'As Days Get Dark'
Bemz – 'Saint of Lost Causes'
Biffy Clyro – 'A Celebration of Endings'
Carla J. Easton – 'WEIRDO'
Erland Cooper – 'Landform (Feat. Marta Salogni)'
Fergus McCreadie – 'Cairn'
Jenny Sturgeon – 'The Living Mountain'
Joesef – 'Does It Make You Feel Good?'
Kübler Ross – 'Kübler Ross'
Lizzie Reid – 'Cubicle'
Matt Carmichael – 'Where Will the River Flow'
Mogwai – 'As The Love Continues'
Paul Towndrow – 'Deepening The River'
Rachel Newton – 'To The Awe'
Stanley Odd – 'STAY ODD'
TAAHLIAH – 'Angelica'
The Ninth Wave – 'Happy Days!'
The Snuts – 'W.L.'
Robert Kilpatrick, Creative Projects and Communications Director at the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said, “Each year, the announcement of the 20-strong SAY Award Longlist provides an important focal point to both reflect on and celebrate the strength and diversity of Scotland’s recorded output; recognising the impact that music has on our lives and in driving our ever-evolving cultural identity as a nation.
“With each of this year’s Longlisted albums having been released throughout the pandemic, that reflection sees a new depth, and “strength” in the context of 2021 embodies much more than artistic merit – it’s underpinned by resilience, passion and endurance throughout challenges that our artists and music industry in particular have sorely felt.
“Music’s power often comes from its ability to tap into inner parts of ourselves; inspiring us, comforting us and ultimately helping us better understand both ourselves and each other. It brings us together, and at a time of mass uncertainty and turbulence where we’ve had to be apart, never has its intrinsic power felt more special and important.
“With a massive congratulations to 2021’s Longlist also comes a thank you – to the artists and their teams for providing escape, connection and outstanding bodies of work at a time when we’ve never needed them more. We can’t wait to celebrate these records – and ten years of SAY – at this year’s ceremony; our biggest to date, and what will undoubtedly be an incredible night to remember for artists, industry and music fans alike.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “If you need proof that the Scottish music scene is emerging strong and defiant from months of lockdown, then look no further than this year’s SAY Award Longlist. With three Official UK Charts No1 albums, an explosion of diversity from some stars of tomorrow and positive recognition of our flourishing grassroots jazz scene, 2021’s contenders make a bold statement about the energy that fuels the music Scotland has to offer and the strength of our creative voice.”
SAY AWARD 2021 LONGLIST - ARTIST QUOTES
AiiTee said, “I'm still so in awe that ‘Love Don’t Fall’ has been included in the Scottish Album of The Year Award Longlist. I’m so grateful to everyone who has taken time out to listen to my music and I hope I can make more music to bring smiles to people's faces and uplift them.”
Andrew Wasylyk said, “The SAY Award do wonderful work highlighting the creativity in Scottish music. I'm surprised and deeply humbled to be included amongst such great artists. Thank you.”
Arab Strap said, “We're both humbled and proud to make the Longlist this year, and we're sure we'll be in excellent company – The SAY Award is a brilliant celebration of Scotland's diverse sounds, and we look forward to making new discoveries too.”
Bemz said, “This project has made a lot of things possible - I just want to say thanks to all those involved in helping me make it & thanks to those who Nominated it.”
Biffy Clyro said, “We are delighted to have made the Longlist for The SAY Award with 'A Celebration of Endings', alongside some incredible albums from the last year. We're really proud of this record and we want to thank those involved for the nomination. We hope to see you all soon!"
Carla J. Easton said, “It's so wonderful to be included in this year's Longlist. What a difficult and challenging year our industry has faced! I'm so thankful for all the continued support. I think this year The SAY Award is more vital than ever for building back our scene and community. I was a bit worried my album would become a 'lost work' due to the circumstances surrounding its release so to be able to celebrate it with all those who helped shape it and make it happen really means a lot to me, especially as an independent artist.”
Erland Cooper said, “It says a great deal to me about the ecosystem of the Scottish music industry that my experimental record, created out of abstract layers of sound and field recordings, has been recognised in this way. Thank you. It’s an album grounded in place and time.”
Fergus McCreadie said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been nominated for such a prestigious award in the Scottish music industry. ‘Cairn’ was a composite of where I was at that time as a musician and composer, and how the band sounded after playing so much together in recent years. To be on the Longlist with so many other great artists is very exciting to me, and I am especially honoured to be representing the jazz scene in Scotland, which I am always so happy to be a part of.”
Jenny Sturgeon said, “I'm over the moon to have been included in The SAY Award 2021 Longlist. Scotland has such a vibrant and thriving music scene and The SAY Award does a brilliant job of amplifying this creativity. It's always a highlight of the year getting to hear new music through SAY.”
Joesef said, “I’m proud to say I love these tunes and to be acknowledged by The SAY Award in this way means a lot to me. I thought my managers were joking at first but aye cheers!”
Kübler-Ross said, “We are utterly shocked and delighted to be included in the selection for The SAY Award. Thank you!!!!”
Lizzie Reid said, “To be a part of The SAY Award Longlist alongside these incredible bands and artists feels totally insane! It fills my heart to think that people have been listening and enjoying my little album. Thank you thank you thank you!”
Matt Carmichael said, “I've discovered a lot of great music by following The SAY Award in the past and I'm very grateful to be included this year after releasing my first album. The awards are great exposure and it's nice to think that 'Where Will The River Flow' will find its way into the ears of new listeners who wouldn't have otherwise discovered the music. Despite COVID, I think the past year has been particularly exciting for new albums in the Scottish music scene and I'd highly recommend checking out the other eligible albums on The SAY Award website and supporting your favourite artists if you can.”
Mogwai said, “We are immensely proud to be included in this year’s SAY Award Longlist alongside so many other great Scottish albums.”
Paul Towndrow said, “I'm delighted and honoured to have ‘Deepening The River’ be part of The SAY Award Longlist for 2021. I hope people will take the time to listen to the album, which only exists thanks to the unbelievable talent and commitment of the musicians featured on the recording, all of whom are artists I admire greatly and whose music I would urge people to investigate. Scotland's music scene has huge strength in depth, massive resilience, and reflects rich diversity. I hope this album goes a little way towards shining a light on some of that talent and potential.”
Rachel Newton said, “‘Making ‘To The Awe’ got me through the early days of lockdown and was funded entirely by direct support from fans, so it means a great deal to me and I'm delighted for it to be included in this year's Longlist.”
Stanley Odd said, “Yas! Absolutely pure delighted to be on The SAY Award Longlist. It's been an amazing year for new music releases despite the ongoing global madness and we're over the moon to see ‘STAY ODD’ resonate with folks.”
TAAHLIAH said, “‘Angelica’ was created out of love for myself and the experiences I’ve had in life which have led me to be who I am today. For my debut project to be recognised in this way feels wonderfully gratifying.”
The Ninth Wave said, “We were taken aback when our first album was Longlisted for The SAY Award last year, and when it made the Shortlist we were even more excited. For the follow up to that album to be Longlisted is truly amazing, especially since it includes the first pieces we’ve ever recorded that were completely self-produced. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us on our journey and evolution across these releases.
The Snuts said, “We are delighted for our debut album ‘W.L'.’ to be in the running for The SAY Award. It’s an album that’ll always be close to our hearts and the hearts of our fans.”
The SAY Award Longlist is the product of an extraordinary nationwide consultation; encapsulating the strength and diversity of Scotland’s music scene.
This year, 327 album submissions, all released during the pandemic, were narrowed down to the 20-strong Longlist by 100 impartial Nominators representing a variety of genres including jazz, classical, hip-hop, pop, trad folk, rock, electronic, indie and many more. The newly announced Longlist will now be whittled down to a final 10 albums to make up this year’s Shortlist, one of which can be chosen by music fans in a 72-hour online public vote. From 27th – 29th September, music fans have the chance to ensure their favourite album from the Longlist makes it onto the Shortlist by voting at www.sayaward.com with the remaining 9 albums chosen by an esteemed judging panel. This year’s SAY Award judging panel includes the likes of Ian Rankin (Author), Jackie Kay (Poet), Daniel Portman (Actor) and Ashely 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.
The winner of The SAY Award will collect £20,000 – one of the most lucrative prize funds in the UK – 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 (marking the award’s 10thbirthday) 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 2021’s Scottish Album of the Year. To date, The SAY Award has distributed over £232,000 in prize money across nine previous campaigns, with 2021 set to be another stellar year in showcasing the best of Scotland’s world-renowned musical talent.
2021 has also 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’. This year’s Longlist will choose the winner of the ‘Modern Scottish Classic Award’, recognising an iconic Scottish album which has inspired music being made today with a special performance at the Ceremony to celebrate the winning album. Additionally, 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, plus a showcase performance slot at The SAY Award Ceremony in 2022. Supported by 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.
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.
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 and Facebook @SAYaward
NEWS & PRESS
BBC Get Singing, the BBC’s biggest nationwide music education initiative in more than 10 years, launches today
BBC Get Singing launches today on BBC Bitesize, providing teachers and vocal leaders with engaging resources to encourage collective singing among 11–14-year-olds in and out of schools across the UK. 7x Grammy Award-winning artist, composer and producer Jacob Collier is...more
BMG announces Celine Joshua as Executive Vice President, Global Marketing & Streaming
New Role Expands Joshua's Leadership across DSP Platforms and Growth Initiatives BMG has announced the promotion of Celine Joshua to Executive Vice President, Global Marketing & Streaming, expanding her leadership across the company's worldwide marketing and DSP platforms In her newly elevated role, Joshua oversees the strategic alignment of BMG's global marketing and streaming efforts across 18 international...more
Air-Edel Appoint Carter Armstrong to US Office
Air-Edel, the full-service music agency and services company founded in 1970 by George Martin and Herman Edel, have appointed veteran industry executive Carter Armstrong as the EVP/GM of their Los Angeles based office, Air-Edel LLC, working across the worldwide Air-Edel roster. Alongside...more
The Great British Night-Out Under Siege: 40% of Pubs Face 'Cliff-Edge' Tax Hike as Nightclubs & Bars are ‘Hollowed Out’ by VOA Raid
Exclusive analysis of new Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data reveals a brutal transformation of the UK’s social landscape. While local pubs are being hit by record-high valuations, the nightclub sector is being systematically dismantled, with the Treasury extracting the same...more
YolanDa Brown to be awarded Freedom of the City for her commitment to Newcastle
Musician YolanDa Brown OBE DL has had her nomination for the Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne approved by City Council, recognising her commitment to Newcastle and the North East, her distinguished national leadership in music and her...more
DCMS announces £1.5bn to tackle underfunding across culture sector - reaction from the Musicians' Union
Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: “We’ve spent so much of the last two years speaking to MPs and Ministers about the desperate need to invest in music and the arts after so many years of standstill funding, so this announcement...more
Kevin Weaver elevated to President, Atlantic Music Group
Atlantic Music Group (AMG) today announced that longtime Atlantic leader Kevin Weaver has been named to the newly created role of President, Atlantic Music Group. Based in Los Angeles, Weaver will continue to report to AMG CEO Elliot Grainge and...more
West One Music Group Appoints George Hyde in Pivotal New Executive Role
West One Music Group has appointed George Hyde as Global Head of Legal & Business Affairs, Royalties & Copyright, effective from 5th January 2026. Hyde will report to COO Maria Scott and join the company’s Executive Team. The newly created role...more
JAYLER sign publishing deal with Notting Hill Music
Rising UK rock band JAYLER have signed a global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, marking another major milestone in the band’s rapid ascent. Hailing from the Midlands, JAYLER have quickly established themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting new...more
Second biggest ever Independent Venue Week kicks off today
IVW report a 10% increase in venues taking part in 2026 In total, 236 independent venues across all corners of the UK will participate in the 7-day celebration of live music Fans can choose from more than 700 live shows and events...more
Music Support appoints Sarah Williams as first Head of Marketing and Communications
Williams joins as charity faces unprecedented demand from those experiencing substance use, addiction or mental health challenges in the music industry. Music Support has appointed Sarah Williams as its first Head of Marketing and Communications. Williams began her music career as part...more
KMJ Entertainment Ltd Announces Record Year and Senior Leadership Promotions
KMJ Entertainment, the UK based live entertainment group, subsidiary of DEAG, has announced some key senior leadership changes in 2026 as the Group business continues to grow and evolve. After a record-breaking year for KMJ group ticket sales in 2025, Kilimanjaro...more
Beatport Unveils the Beatport Next Class of 2026
ATRIP, BLUMITSU, Cole Knight, D Stone, DJ_Dave, Jennifer Loveless, Kikelomo, Maara, Omar+, Rosey Gold, Sam Alfred and WOST join coveted artist development program Beatport, the world's largest music store for DJs, is proud to introduce the Beatport Next Class of 2026....more
Behind the Counter Returns to UK Record Shops for a Seventh Season
Premiere of new 12-part video series celebrating the people behind the UK's thriving vinyl culture Behind the Counter returns for a seventh season with a brand-new 12-part video series, presented by Record Store Day and Classic Album Sundays in collaboration with...more
Help Musicians and DJ Mag Announce Recipients of Electronic Music Award
Help Musicians, in partnership with DJ Mag, today announces the recipients of their Electronic Music Award - a career accelerator programme supporting emerging artists working across electronic music. This year’s recipients are: BITEZ, Ronnie Loko, James Adrian Brown, DAVENPORT, Astrid Diaz...more
U.S. Creators Launch “Stealing Isn't Innovation” Campaign on Tech Companies' Massive Theft of Copyrighted Works
Effort Shines Spotlight on Harm to American Creators and U.S. Jobs, Economic Growth and International Standing The Human Artistry Campaign announced the launch of an advocacy campaign on behalf of a broad cross-section of the American creative community to protest Big Tech's illegal mass...more
Merlin and Pipeline Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Advances for Merlin Members
“Merlin’s Partnership with Pipeline is a Gamechanger,” says Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Pipeline, a specialist provider of innovative financing solutions for...more
R&B hitmaker Andre “Dre” Harris signs global pact with Warner Chappell Music
GRAMMY-Nominated Talent Boasts Current No. 1 R&B Hit with Kehlani’s “Folded”Also Behind Chart-Topping Tracks for Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, Usher, Justin Bieber, & More Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), has signed a worldwide publishing...more
Concord Music Publishing signs Grammy award nominated songwriter-producer Aksel Arvid
Today, Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of artist, songwriter, and producer Aksel Arvid in his first publishing deal. This deal is a joint venture with Norwegian producer Peder Losnegård, better known as Lido. Raised on a tiny island on the west coast...more
Reservoir Announces Publishing Deal with Cat Burns/Olivia Dean Collaborator Britten Newbill
Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR), an award-winning independent music company, today announced a new publishing deal with multi-genre songwriter-producer Britten Newbill for a portion of his catalog and his future works. Born in Nashville and now based in London, Newbill has...more
Atlantic Records Germany sign German rap artist Bobby Vandamme
Atlantic Records Germany today announced the signing of German rap artist Bobby Vandamme to a long-term partnership. The deal marks the first signing under the newly appointed leadership of Melanie Geiger and a significant milestone in the label’s next phase...more
Duetti secures $200 million to scale independent music catalog acquisitions and enhance platform capabilities
Funding Led by a $50 Million Series C Equity Investment from The Raine Group Duetti Inc. (“Duetti” or the “Company”), the music-tech and financial services company that empowers independent music creators to unlock the value of their music catalogs, today announces it...more
BMG appoints Jasper Niebuhr to lead GSA operations
BMG has announced the appointment of Jasper Niebuhr as its new Managing Director, GSA, effective February 1, 2026. Niebuhr will spearhead BMG's integrated recorded music and music publishing operations across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, bringing his distinctive entrepreneurial expertise to...more
Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard as it moves to Manchester in a historical first
NEXT GENERATION OF BRITISH ARTISTS OUT IN FRONT WITH FIVE NOMINATIONS FOR LOLA YOUNG AND OLIVIA DEAN SAM FENDER FOLLOWS MERCURY PRIZE WIN WITH FOUR NOMINATIONS LILY ALLEN, WOLF ALICE, DAVE, FRED AGAIN.., JIM LEGXACY ALL UP FOR THREE AWARDS GLOBAL CULTURE MOMENTS RECOGNISED...more
Audiomack Celebrates 50M MAU Worldwide
Audiomack has reached 50 million monthly active users globally, achieving 31% year-over-year growth in 2025. The platform's expansion reflects continued momentum among discovery-driven music fans and investment in human-powered curation, trendsetting and niche music communities, and interactive features for fans...more
War Child Records Announce ‘HELP(2)’
Brand New Collaborative Album Inspired By Landmark 1995 Release ‘HELP’ Out Friday 6th March via War Child Records First Single ‘Opening Night’ By Arctic Monkeys - Out Now War Child Records today announce ‘HELP(2)’. You can listen to the first single from the album, ‘Opening...more
The FAC and University of Hertfordshire expand their Propeller Sessions project to London’s Jazz Cafe
Recent Nettwerk signing Olive Jones, a former awardee from the FAC’s Step Up Fund, is among the latest artists to benefit from free, high-quality video performance footage after recording a Propeller Session To date, more than 20 FAC PRO Members have...more
Generator launches landmark Japan partnership to put northern music on the global stage
BACKED BY REGIONAL MAYORS, THE INITIATIVE MARKS A MAJOR STEP FOR THE NORTH’S INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AMBITIONS FEBRUARY 2026 JAPAN EXCHANGE ANNOUNCED, CONNECTING NORTHERN TALENT WITH JAPAN’S MUSIC INDUSTRY AND THRIVING CREATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED WITH CUEW, MUSIC CITY COUNCIL OF FUKUOKA AND KEF, WITH COLLABORATION FROM OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS North-headquartered music development agency Generator has today...more
Believe UK and Tileyard Music launch new frontline label Tenace Records
Label to be spearheaded by Co-Presidents Charlie Arme & Michael Harwood. Former Universal Marketing Director Chris Dashwood appointed GM.Globally touring guitar-pop force Pale Waves revealed as debut signing. Believe UK and Tileyard Music have launched a new boutique, frontline label as part...more
Hannah Karp appointed EVP & Chief Communications Officer for Warner Music Group
Accomplished Journalist and former 'Billboard' Editor-in-Chief Joins WMG’s Executive Leadership Team Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) today announced that highly regarded editor and journalist Hannah Karp has been named EVP & Chief Communications Officer, effective January 26. She joins the company’s executive...more
THE HEADLINES
New TikTok Music Terms Of Service may pose a threat to musicians and labels (see Digital)
"Managers could probably do everything… but funding is really difficult’ (see Features)
Indie labels trade quantity for quality (see Reports)
Robert Kyncl "music is absolutely grossly undervalued” (see Features)
Did things really get better in 2025 for the UK's music business? (see Comment)
BRIT Awards 2026: Nominations and reactions (see News)
Music Venue Trust annual report highlights ongoing issues, and optimism (see News)
Do Spotify’s AI Playlists change how algorithmic discovery actually works? (see Features)
A&R 2026: We lost "R" (see Opinion)
Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)
Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)
Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)
Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)