FEATURE:
The Long and the Short of It
The Scottish Album of the Year 2023 Playlist
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EARLIER this week…
IN THIS PHOTO: Becky Sikasa
the longlist for The Scottish Album of the Year was announced. When it comes to award ceremonies, there is not as much media coverage as there should be. I think it is vital that we shine a spotlight on the music coming out of nations like Scotland. With such a rich history of wonderful music, some future legends and established greats are in the running. If you have not heard of SAY and want to know more about how the shortlist process works, then below are all the details:
“Recognising an outstanding album from Scotland’s past which still inspires today.
Winner announced in conjunction with The SAY Award Shortlist and the Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists.
Winning album celebrated at The SAY Award 2023 Ceremony.
Winner receives a bespoke art prize, created through The SAY Award Design Commission.
The Sound of Young Scotland Award
The Sound of Young Scotland Award – in association with Help Musicians, Youth Music Initiative and Youth Music – exists to drive Scottish music of the future; enabling a young and emerging artist to create their debut album.
Winner chosen by a panel of previous SAY Award nominees.
Winner announced at The SAY Award Ceremony.
Winner given a performance slot to showcase at The SAY Award Ceremony 2024.
Winner receives a funding package worth up to £8,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album.
Applications for the Sound of Young Scotland Award 2023 open on Monday 24 July. More information (including eligibility criteria, selection process and application specifics) will be published in due course.
Key Dates
FRIDAY 30 JUNE – FRIDAY 21 JULY 2023
The SAY Award eligible albums submission period | Artists, industry professionals and music fans can submit eligible albums – for free – via sayaward.com
MONDAY 24 JULY – MONDAY 14 AUGUST 2023
The Sound of Young Scotland Award submission period | Young and emerging Scottish artists can apply to be considered for the Sound of Young Scotland Award 2023; offering a funding package worth up to £8,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album
THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2023
The SAY Award Longlist Announcement | 20 outstanding Scottish albums will be announced as The SAY Award Longlist for 2023
MONDAY 2 OCTOBER – WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER 2023
The SAY Award Public Vote | 72-hour public vote at sayaward.com, securing one Longlisted album’s place in the Shortlist along with a guaranteed minimum prize of £1,000.
THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023
The SAY Award Shortlist Announcement / The Sound of Young Scotland Award Finalists Announcement / Modern Scottish Classic Award Winner Announcement | 10 SAY Award Shortlisted albums, 5 Sound of Young Scotland Award Finalists and the winner of 2023’s Modern Scottish Classic Award are revealed three weeks ahead of The SAY Award Ceremony.
THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2023
The SAY Award Ceremony 2023 @ The Albert Halls, Stirling | Winner announcements, live performances and more”.
Last year produced an impressive shortlist. The winner, Fergus McCreadie’s Forest Floor, was a worthy winner. I am marking the longlist for this year’s SAY by putting together a playlist with a song from each of the twenty nominated albums. I think all deserve to win the award…but only one can. This year’s selection if another very strong and eclectic list! It is vital that more eyes are trained the way of Scotland. Below is just a portion of the magnificent music…
COMING out of Scotland.