SCOTTISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR TO BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK
FROM OVER 400 ELIGIBLE ENTRIES 10 ALBUMS MAKE THE SHORTLIST
With just one week left to go until Scotland’s Album of The Year Award is announced, we look at the recently announced shortlist. From the initial submission back in the Summer, over 400 eligible Scottish albums were considered by 100 independent nominators. From this, 20 outstanding albums were announced as the official longlist then earlier this month the roost was whittled down to just 10 for the final shortlist. From gold selling number one’s to debut digital only releases, each and every single album who has made the shortlist are deserving of the prize.
Ahead of its 12th annual ceremony at Stirling’s Albert Halls on October 26th, we look over the shortlist and share our bets on who will come away with a prize on the night.
PAOLO NUTINI – LAST NIGHT IN THE BITTERSWEET
The biggest and most recognisable album on this year’s shortlist is undoubtedly 2022’s biggest selling Scottish album – Last Night in The Bittersweet. The number 1 album by national treasure Paolo Nutini was the artists first release in 8 years and has been generously received across the mainstream. Not only up for the main prize, Paolo will also receive the special Modern Scottish Classic Award for his 2007 debut These Streets. Will he show face to receive the award though is yet to be disclosed.
CLOTH – SECRET MEASURE
Released in May 2023, Secret Measure is the second album by Glasgow based duo Cloth. Not any ordinary musical duo, the pair Rachel and Paul Swinton are actually twins. Not the first time they have been in the SAY Award shortlist either as their 2019 Self Titled debut also made the cut. Inspired by the likes of The Cocteau Twins, Secret Measures takes their already established sound and polishing it to an even tighter standard. Having critical acclaim from the likes of Elbows Guy Garvey and sold out support slots with bands such as Twin Atlantic, Cloth could well see it second time lucky at next week’s awards ceremony.
BEMZ – NOVA’S DAD
Highly anticipated Nova’s Dad by Ayrshire raised v rs is the rappers most personal moment yet. Short and undeniably sweet at points, the 22 minute 8 track album has everything that other artists would struggle to convey in twice the time. Bemz has come a long way since his 2018 debut mini EP Life. The passion, lyricism and production put into Nova’s Dad demonstrates this and reflects an important turn around point in the rappers career. Featuring collaborations with Sean Focus, Kobi Obiyame and Washington. Already an award winning artist, Bemz was crowned BBC Scotlands Introducing Act of the Year 2022, but can he add a SAY Award to the collection?
BRÌGHDE CHAIMBEUL – CARRY THEM WITH US
A sharp contrast from the previous entry is Brìghde Chaimbeul who brings a traditional taste to the competition. The young piper is making waves across the genre taking traditional Scottish piping and infusing it with an experimental modern flare. Born and raised in The Isle of Skye, Brìghde (Bree-chu) native Gaelic language is strongly reflected in her musical style. Proficient in both Traditional bag pipes and smaller bellowing small pipes which she uses to curate a rich dreamy ambience. Carry Them With Is, which is Brìghde second album, was released in April this year and features renowned musician Colin Stenson throughout. Already hailed as one of the best players of a generation, this young artist is one to watch.
YOUNG FATHERS
Two time SAY Award winners Young Father’s are up for the prestigious prize once again with forth album Heavy Heavy. The trio’s musical style take influence from across pop, rock, hip hop, soul and noise to create something which is fascinatingly unique. Uplifting with creative energy oozing all over, the Mercury Music prize winning band are well known for their incredibly dynamic live performance as well as their innovative music. Heavy Heavy reflects the bands growth and comfort in their craft whilst continuing to push their limits to curate music like no other. Serious contenders but will they secure a third win for 2023?
BECKY SIKASA – TWELVE WOODEN BOXES
A debut album on the shortlist is Twelve Wooden Boxes from the rising modern soul star Becky Sikasa. With a voice as smooth as drizzly honey and an undeniable storytelling style lyricism, Becky offers pure escapism. Born and raised in Germany, Becky relocated to Scotland in 2012 and as a result is gaining popularity in both home lands. Having previously been one part of a rising duo – Lunir, Becky now thrives as a solo artist and was credited as a “Future Superstar in loading buffer mode” by BBC. Released in November last year, Twelve Wooden Boxes nostalgically reflects on Becky’s lost childhood home with an endearing childlike manner. Not only on the shortlist, Becky is also one of the just announce live acts due to perform at next week’s ceremony.
JOESEF – PERMANENT DAMAGE
The voice of an angel. Just one way to describe the next shortlist entry, Joesef. Glaswegian Joesef, who released Permanent Damage in February this year has experienced somewhat of a whirlwind few years both locally on the Glasgow scene and with the wider industry in the UK and US. Joesef’s sound is a nostalgic amalgamation of classic soul, r’n’b, jazz and modern pop that captures a relatable heartbreak. Permanent Damage is a journey of that which reflects the pain faced from a lost love. Another second timer on the shortlist, Joesef was also on the 2021 final 10 with his first album Does it Make You Feel Good. Now a more established artist, Joesef could well be crowned next week.
HAMISH HAWK – ANGEL NUMBERS
Second year running in the SAY Award shortlist is singer songwriter Hamish Hawk with his second album Angel Numbers. Characterised by his heavy baritone vocals and stylistic theatrical narrative style lyricism there is a retro familiarity to Hamish. The concept Angel Numbers reflects a spiritual significance which can be uncovered in the wandering wonderment of the album. Gaining millions of streams across platforms, Hamish continues to grow his fanbase across the UK and Europe. Having already scooped an album of the year award from The Skinny, can Hamish add a SAY Award to that display?
ANDREW WASYLYK – HEARING THE WATER BEFORE THE FALLS
The SAY Award doesn’t just celebrate the mainstream within Scotland’s music, and composer Andrew Wasylyk shortlist spot is a credit to that. The Dundee artists second album, Hearing The Water Before The Falls is inspired by the photography of Thomas Joshua Cooper. Classical, contemporary, ambient and theatrical, Andrew’s sound is mesmerising. Beautifully composed, Hearing The Water Before The Falls is a delight that keeps giving. A clear favourite amongst the SAY Awards, this is Andrew’s 4th appearance in the selection – second time on the shortlist and a further two on the longlist.
BROOKE COMBE – BLACK IS THE NEW GOLD
One of Scotland’s biggest rising stars is indie soul songstress Brooke Combe. Having only released her first single in 2021, Brooke has broken all the rules and is seeing accreditation from across the industry and music fans a like. Characterised by the depth and warmth of Brookes unmistakeable vocal tone, her debut album, Black is The New Gold is a collection of 8 deeply personal tracks inspired by neo soul, funk and modern indie rock. Her profile has raised significantly following her cover of Scotlands national team adopted football anthem Yes sir, I can boogie. However, Black is The New Gold is a credit on its own standing. . A first time shortlist nomination but definitely can’t see it being her last.
2023 SAY Awards provides a diversified shortlist of talent across Scotland. Showcasing a variety of genre defying music across the country’s rich culture, there is real accreditation associated with the award. With prizes also being awarded for Modern Scottish Classic and Sound of Young Scotland, the ceremony will also celebrate this year’s winner of the SAY award design commission who has designed 2023’s unique award statue. With live performances coming from Dead Pony, Brownbear, Becky Sikasa, Fergus McCreadie and Taaliah, the organisers still have surprises lined up for the main event.
Best bit? You can be there too! Tickets available HERE
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