VOTING IS NOW OPEN! SCOTLAND’S SAMA AWARDS NEED YOUR HELP
Later this month, the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) will make a very welcome return to Glasgow’s St Luke’s, celebrating for the 16th time, the vibrancy and diversity thriving across the country right now,
Returning to host the show will be the incredible BBC Introducing Scotland presenter Stephanie Cheape, the awards ceremony will see performances from sibling punk duo comfort, post apocalyptic metal outfit Lo Rays, and jazzy hip hop quintet Kai Reesu – who come fresh from winning this year’s Scottish Album of the Year with their album KOMPROMAT vol. earlier this month.
Richy Muirhead, Founder and Director of SAMA Events Ltd comments
“Reaching our sixteenth year feels like a real milestone! Our goal has always been to shine a light on the incredible diversity of sounds emerging from genres across the country, this year’s shortlist is exactly that and you will find everything from jazz to doom, dub to folk, hip hop and afrobeats to everything in between. It’s vital that we continue to champion music on a grassroots level, to support independent venues, back the initiatives that keep the underground scenes alive, and support the next generation of artists and creatives! This year’s SAMA’s is a perfect opportunity to dive into new sounds and I’d encourage everyone to get to know the nominations list, and discover their next favourite Scottish artist!”
The ceremony will comprise of 7 unique categories which aim to celebrate the diversity of new music coming from Scotland, with nominee’s formed through the SAMA Music Criteria, alongside 21 music professionals from diverse groups and backgrounds from across the country. Leading organisations such as AMPLIFI, Core, Crowded Flat, DF Concerts, Eden Festival, GLITCH41, Hen Hoose, Music Venue Trust, Ponyboy, Tenement Trail, Triple G Presents, Up2Stndrd, and Wide Days, were all part of the shortlist selection, however, it is down to the fans to crown their winners through a 3-day online public vote which runs Monday 17 November at 12:00 until Wednesday 19 November 17:00 via officialsama.com.
Best Acoustic sponsored by Musicians’ Union
Sponsored by Musician’s Union, the award for Best Acoustic will be presented to one of the following artists: Faith Eliott, Jacob Alon, Lizzie Reid or Miwa Nagato-Apthorp.
Best Electronic sponsored by UNESCO Glasgow City Of Music
Sponsored by UNESCO Glasgow City Of Music, the Best Electronic nominees are KOPI ROMANTIKO, Proc Fiskal, LWS and Susannah Stark.
Best Hip Hop sponsored by Pro Weekend Fest
Competing for the Best Hip Hop prize, sponsored by Pro Weekend Fest are Supermann on da Beat, Kryptik, Kpence and Loki.
Best Live Act sponsored by St Luke’s & The Winged Ox
Sponsored by venue host St Luke’s & The Winged Ox, the nominees for Best Live Act are Pippa Blundell, Azamiah, DOSS and Waverley.
Best Metal sponsored by Drygate
Best Metal sponsored by Drygate has been shortlisted to Cwfen, Bleed From Within, Endless Swarm and Sixth Wonder.
“SAMA has an incredible track record of celebrating discovery and diversity. These awards reach beyond the mainstream to throw a spotlight on artists who push back musical boundaries and create work that’s always innovative and truly exciting. Creative Scotland is proud to use National Lottery targeted funds to support an event with such an open-minded, no-limits, widescreen perspective on the music scene.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland
Best Newcomer sponsored by Blackhall Records
Sponsored by Blackhall Records, the award for best Newcomer will be awarded to Ay Bangz, Mercy Girls, Miwa Nagato-Apthorp or Rahul.mp3.
Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by PRS For Music
The award for Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by PRS For Music, will be awarded to one of the following: Fright Years, Martha May & The Mondays, Mercy Girl or The Rooks.
Tickets for the awards ceremony and music showcase taking place on Saturday 29 November at St Luke’s, Glasgow are on sale now, priced at £12.00 (General Admission) and £20.00 (VIP) from Eventbrite UK.
