THE shortlist of 10 albums still in the running for the Scottish Album of the Year Award has been announced.

Having been whittled down from 327 eligible records to a longlist of 20, the final 10 has now been confirmed by SAY Award organisers.

The winner, to be named during a ceremony at Edinburgh's Usher Hall later this month, will receive a £20,000 prize.
 

SAY Award shortlist 2021:
 

AiiTee – Love Don’t Fall
Arab Strap – As Days Get Dark
Biffy Clyro – A Celebration of Endings
Joesef – Does It Make You Feel Good?
Lizzie Reid – Cubicle
Mogwai – As The Love Continues
Rachel Newton – To The Awe
Stanley Odd – STAY ODD
The Ninth Wave – Happy Days!
The Snuts – W.L.

 

This year has seen the introduction of the Sound of Young Scotland Award, organisers previously announced.

A panel of previous SAY Award nominees including Kobi Onyame, Sacred Paws, SHHE and more will choose the winner, who will receive up to £5,000 funding to facilitate the creation of their debut album as well as 500 vinyl pressings of the finished record.

Supported by Key Production, 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.

The winner will be announced at this year’s SAY Award Ceremony.

The 2021 SAY Award Longlist also voted for the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, recognising an album from Scotland’s past that still inspires music being made today, with the winner chosen as Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight. The album will be recognised on the night of The SAY Award Ceremony.

Robert Kilpatrick, creative projects and communications director at the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “The SAY Award shortlist comprises 10 of the best Scottish records of the last year; all released throughout the pandemic.

"With some of the biggest names in Scottish music featured alongside some of our nation’s most exciting rising talents, 2021’s Shortlist showcases the exciting, diverse and resilient nature of our music community despite 18 months of significant challenges.

"It firmly recognises music’s cultural impact and life-changing value, and brings to the forefront a recorded output that all of us in Scotland can – and should – feel proud of."

He continued: "Along with this year’s shortlist announcement, we’re delighted to reveal the winner of the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, as chosen by the 20 artists that made up this year’s Longlist.

"The Midnight Organ Fight by Frightened Rabbit is a record that many of us hold close to our hearts, and for it to claim the inaugural prize is a special moment for both The SAY Award and Scotland’s music community as a whole. It’s a record we’re proud to be honouring this year, and one we know will continue to be both celebrated and cherished for many years to come."

The SAY Award Design Commission, in association with OVO Energy and curated by Local Heroes, highlights the enduring links between music, art and design and will provide a lasting tribute for all 10 shortlisted artists, as well as the inaugural winners of both the Modern Scottish Classic Award and the Sound of Young Scotland Award.

Each year, an emerging designer is commissioned to create bespoke prizes for the artists, and in association with OVO Energy for 2021, the trophies will have a major sustainability focus. Stay tuned for the first look at 2021’s awards via SAY socials.

Following a digital edition in 2020, the event returns as a physical ceremony, welcoming guests to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Saturday, October 23.

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.

For tickets, visit https://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/scottish-album-year-say-award-ceremony-2021