Twenty outstanding Scottish albums were unveiled tonight as The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award Longlist to a crowd of eager music fans at the O₂ ABC in Glasgow. Now in its sixth year, The SAY Award is Scotland’s most popular and prestigious music prize, boasting a lucrative £20,000 prize for the winner and nine runners-up prizes of £1,000 each.
‘Live at the Longlist’, a new ticketed event introduced to this year’s SAY Award campaign, saw music fans from across the country gather to enjoy exceptional live sets from previously Longlisted acts Steve Mason, Admiral Fallow and Mungo’s Hi Fi. As the expectant audience held its breath, respected journalist and broadcaster Nicola Meighan announced The SAY Award Longlist for 2017, with all twenty albums showcasing the extraordinary strength and diversity of Scotland’s musical output.
The SAY Award 2017 Longlist is as follows (in alphabetical order):
Adam Holmes and The Embers
C Duncan
Ela Orleans
Fatherson
Frightened Rabbit
Honeyblood
The Jesus and Mary Chain
King Creosote
Konx-om-Pax
Meursault
Modern Studies
Mogwai
Pictish Trail
Rachel Newton
RM Hubbert
Sacred Paws
Starless
Teenage Fanclub
TeenCanteen
Vukovi
Brighter Still
The Midnight Sun
Circles of Upper and Lower Hell
Open Book
Painting of a Panic Attack
Babes Never Die
Damage and Joy
Astronaut Meets Appleman
Caramel
I Will Kill Again
Swell To Great
Atomic
Future Echoes
Here’s My Heart Come Take It
Telling The Trees
Strike A Match
Starless
Here
Say It All With A Kiss
Vukovi
The public can listen to and learn more about each album on The SAY Award Longlist by visiting www.sayaward.com where there will be two featured albums every day from Monday 29th May.
Chosen from almost 300 eligible albums, the 20 strong Longlist was narrowed down by 100 impartial industry ‘Nominators’. The Longlist will be whittled down to a shortlist of 10 – one chosen by the public via a 72-hour online vote (12-14 June) and the other 9 chosen by an independent panel of judges (see Notes for Editors for full list of judges).
The SAY Award Shortlist will be announced on June 15th as part of a special BBC Radio Scotland Quay Sessions, before the award ceremony itself takes place on June 28th in the elegant surroundings of Paisley Town Hall in support of Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. The winning artist will pick up a £20,000 cash prize – provided by long-term Award partner Creative Scotland – with the nine runners-up each receiving £1,000. All ten shortlisted artists will also be awarded an exclusively designed artwork created by the winner of The SAY Design Commission.
The SAY Award is produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), in partnership with Paisley for UK City of Culture 2021, Creative Scotland, Black Bottle, TicketWeb and PPL. The award, which was launched in 2012, celebrates, promotes and rewards the most outstanding Scottish albums released each year. Respected by artists and valued by the industry, The SAY Award is responsible for a surge in musical discovery and an explosion of impassioned debate on social media. Previous SAY Award winners are Anna Meredith (2016), Kathryn Joseph (2015), Young Fathers (2014), RM Hubbert (2013) and Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat (2012).
Robert Kilpatrick, Projects and Operations Manager, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “What an incredibly strong, diverse and important list of contemporary Scottish records, all being championed and celebrated through The SAY Award. The announcement of The Longlist is one of the most exciting parts of The SAY Award campaign, and is without doubt when the award is at its most potent. It was great to introduce ‘Live at the Longlist’ this year to allow fans to come along and join us in celebrating the successes of 20 outstanding Scottish albums. Those attending got to hear some great live music from three homegrown and previously long-listed acts. On behalf of the Scottish Music Industry Association, I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s long-listed artists on fantastic album releases.”
Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 Bid Director, said: “The SAY Award is a fantastic celebration of Scottish talent and we are pleased Paisley will host the SAY Award ceremony for the second time next month. Paisley is a town already synonymous with talent, so to have The SAY Award winner announced in Paisley’s magnificent town hall is a significant boost to the town and its bid for UK City of Culture 2021. My congratulations go to all acts on The Longlist. We can’t wait to see who will make it to the shortlist and join us in Paisley next month.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland, said: “This year’s SAY Award ranges from acts who burst onto the scene in the 1980s such as The Jesus And Mary Chain to TeenCanteen, who performed as part of Creative Scotland’s showcase at The Great Escape only last week. And that’s one of the wonderful things about this prize – emerging artists such as Vukovi, Sacred Paws and Fatherson find themselves standing shoulder to shoulder with Scottish icons such as King Creosote, Mogwai and Teenage Fanclub. It proves that there’s legacy in the music we make here, as these albums reach out to different generations of fans but pull everyone together for one big celebration of Scottish talent.”
Emma Casey, Global Marketing Manager for Black Bottle, said: “We’re delighted to be an official partner of The SAY Award this year. We’re proud of our roots in Scotland and passionate about doing things differently, so it’s great to celebrate the work of these talented Scottish musicians who have all created their own unique sounds.”
Jonathan West, Director of Marketing & Artist Services, TicketWeb, said: “It’s great to be back supporting The SAY Award for the 2nd year. This year’s list really shows the enduring quality of contemporary Scottish music. Alongside new releases from legendary artists like Teenage Fanclub, Mogwai & The Jesus & Mary Chain you’ve also got amazing bands like TeenCanteen doing it for the very first time. Whoever ends up taking the crown it’s going to be a cracking record that wins.”
Notes to Editors:
Adam Holmes and The Embers ‘Brighter Still’
Brighter Still is the second album from Adam Holmes and features his band The Embers, along with vocals from Eddi Reader. Recorded at Gloworm Studios in Glasgow, the songs combine textures of folk and soul music with lyrics that resonate for every person in themes of love, loss, uplifting happiness and beautiful sadness.
“On behalf of Adam Holmes and The Embers I would like to say how honoured we are included on the 2017 SAY Award longlist. The Scottish Music Industry Association does vital work in supporting and promoting Scottish artists and their music and we thank them for creating such a prestigious award. Fingers crossed for the shortlist!”
C Duncan ‘The Midnight Sun’
The second album by singer/songwriter C Duncan was written and recorded entirely in his flat in Glasgow and takes on a more electronic and dreamy sound than his debut. Inspired by the 1960s cult sci-fi television series, The Twilight Zone, it is ominous and sometimes brooding whilst still maintaining the choral soundscapes and breezy characteristics of his first album.
“I am very excited and honoured to be long listed again for the SAY Award. It is such an important award in Scotland and it really showcases just how much amazing music of all genres is coming out of Scotland at the moment.”
Ela Orleans ‘Circles of Upper and Lower Hell’
Circles Of Upper and Lower Hell is the grandest, deepest work to date by Polish-born, Glasgow-based sound artist and composer Ela Orleans. The seventh album under her own name, Orleans’ expansive vision, loosely based on Dante’s Inferno but infused with deep personal experience, incorporates sound art, orchestral textures, synth pop and electronic music to construct a world equally peppered with loss and inspiration.
“I feel like I already enjoy the cordial support from the community of Scottish musicians, promoters, journalists and fans. The SAY Longlist nomination is the stamp of acknowledgement that I am an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape. I cannot express how significant this is for me, as an immigrant in this post-Brexit climate.”
Fatherson ‘Open Book’
Open Book is the second studio album from Fatherson. The album was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studio in South Wales with Scottish producer Bruce Rintoul, and mixed by Adam Noble (Placebo, Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco) the record showcases the band’s ability to craft beautiful, emotional, uplifting, well-wrought songs that take their time to do their magic.
“We’re delighted to be included in the SAY Award long list for the second time! The SAY Award highlights the wealth of great music made in this country and gives people a chance to discover records that they may not have otherwise heard. We’re excited to listen to the other 19 albums and are very proud to be included in the long list ourselves.”
Frightened Rabbit ‘Painting of a Panic Attack’
Ever since Scott Hutchison started releasing music as Frightened Rabbit more than a decade ago, his emotionally honest and incisively worded lyrics have been among the project’s most beloved qualities. Over the course of five albums, including their new Painting of a Panic Attack, Frightened Rabbit’s frontman has made poetry of his misery, and still somehow managed to make it sound anthemic.
“We are honoured to be featured in the SAY award longlist this year. It’s good to see so many great albums on there and be considered for the award again. Cheers!”
Honeyblood ‘Babes Never Die’
‘Babes Never Die’ was recorded at London’s Fish Factory studio in the winter of 2016 by acclaimed producer James Dring, whose work with the likes of Jamie T and Gorillaz made him an intriguing choice for the duo. The urgent lo-fi charm that defined their debut still pulses from its core but the evolution that’s taken place is undeniable.
“Overjoyed to find out that ‘Babes Never Die’ has made it onto the SAY Award Longlist! It’s an honour to be included along with a host of incredible Scottish music.”
The Jesus and Mary Chain ‘Damage and Joy’
The Jesus And Mary Chain released their long-awaited new album ‘Damage and Joy’ on March 2017, the first album since ‘Munki’ was released back in the summer of 1998. Fronted by the Reid brothers, Jim and William, The Jesus And Mary Chain first reformed to play the Coachella festival back in 2007. Despite regular touring – most notably a 2015 world tour which revisited their landmark album ‘Psychocandy’ – it took some time before they could agree on a plan to record a much-mooted seventh album.
King Creosote ‘Astronaut Meets Appleman’
King Creosote, one of our most beloved voices, released his new record Astronaut Meets Appleman on the 2nd September 2016. It explores the tension and harmony between tradition and technology – between analogue and digital philosophies – and also invokes a feeling, King Creosote (otherwise known as Fife’s Kenny Anderson) says, of “being caught between heaven and earth”.
Konx-om-Pax ‘Caramel’
Tom ‘Konx-om-Pax’ Scholefield’s Caramel is quite a different record from the dark, mould-pocked ambience of his debut ‘Regional Surrealism’. Although it’s primarily a beatless album, it’s one with a big smile on its face. ‘Caramel’ has a lightness and energy, an unrepentant joyful cheesiness even – like the rave piano and spiralling arpeggios of ‘Cosmic Trigger’ or the big beatless build up of the title track.
“I am honoured to be considered for this years Scottish Album of the Year Awards. Scotland’s dance music scene has informed and inspired my music since I started making it.”
Meursault ‘I Will Kill Again’
‘I Will Kill Again’ was intended to be a direct follow up to ‘Something for the Weakened’ – a straight-up rock album. That record never got made, the live band dissolved and Neil started to play solo under the name Supermoon. In most cases, the songs became unrecognisable from their previous incarnations, but the lyrics and themes remained. Loosely, it’s about the idea of villainy within a narrative and people’s willingness to portray themselves as antagonists within their own story.
“Thanks for the nomination! Delighted to be included in such an impressive list of artists. After all the twists and turns and heartache involved in the conception of the album, it’s a feeling of relief, as much as anything, to see people connect with it the way they have.”
Modern Studies ‘Swell To Great’
Working throughout the year at Pumpkinfield – Pete’s rural Perthshire studio – the band shaped a set of Emily’s skeleton songs, drawing largely from the salt and spray of the sea. This communal arts-und-crafts-werk resulted in their debut LP ‘Swell to Great’ (named after an organ stop), which was released on Song, by Toad Records of Edinburgh, Scotland in September 2016.
“We’re delighted to be longlisted for the SAY Award. It has has been a bright spotlight for Scottish records over the last few years, and we’re happy to be included alongside some other fantastic acts”
Mogwai ‘Atomic’
Constructed entirely of archive film, Atomic is an impressionistic kaleidoscope of the horrors of our nuclear times – protest marches, Cold War sabre-rattling, Chernobyl and Fukishima – but also the sublime beauty of the atomic world, and how x-rays and MRI scans have improved human lives. Mogwai’s soundtrack encapsulates the nightmare of the nuclear age, but its dreamlike qualities too. It is the latest in the band’s series of impressive soundtracks and scores, following acclaimed albums Les Revenants (The Returned) and Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait.
“We are incredibly honoured for our Atomic album to be included in the long list of the SAY award. It’s a record we are very proud of and to receive this recognition is very special.”
Pictish Trail ‘Future Echoes’
Pictish Trail’s spectral songs are filtered through a sun-warped pop lens, where mesmerically-melodic guitar patterns collide with sampled gurgles and blissed-out vocals figure-skate over sine-waves of glacial synth. Future Echoes is a very personal musing on mortality, the death of friendships and the finality of things and represents the most confident, cohesive and pop-savvy collection of music Pictish Trail has written to date.
“I don’t know who nominated me, I find this whole sort of thing really stressful, and if I don’t win I think I might kill myself”
Rachel Newton ‘Here’s My Heart Come Take It’
Here’s My Heart Come Take It is a bold combination of traditional folk song and original composition set in a contemporary soundscape. Experimenting and improvising in the studio combined with a considered choice of material has resulted in a very personal and heartfelt piece of work.
“I’m delighted to be included in the SAY Award Longlist this year. Here’s My Heart Come Take It is my third solo record and I approached the making of it with more confidence and freedom than I have been able to in previous releases, so it means a lot for it to be recognised alongside such great Scottish albums.”
RM Hubbert ‘Telling The Trees’
Returning to the collaborative format that saw him reconnect with a host of old friends and pick up a Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award for 2012’s Thirteen Lost & Found, RM Hubbert is back, and at the vanguard of another extraordinary ensemble of musicians and songwriters. In many ways a reflection and reconfiguration of his earlier, award-winning album, Telling the Trees highlights the remarkable lyricism and musicianship of his individual co-writers whilst managing to cohere into a dazzling masterwork for all concerned.
“I’m shocked, surprised and genuinely humbled to be longlisted with Telling The Trees for this year’s SAY Award. Many thanks to the nominators for thinking of this weird wee record that my collaborators and I made.”
Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’
London/Glasgow duo Sacred Paws’ uplifting debut album, Strike A Match, was released in January 2017 via Rock Action. A vibrant collection of pop gems, Sacred Paws’ first full-length features ten complex yet instantly infectious songs, fitting perfectly between uplifting indie-pop and intricate post-punk. Strikes A Match was produced by Tony Doogan (Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub) and Sacred Paws at Castle Doom, Glasgow and mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios.
“Sacred Paws are so happy to be long listed for the SAY award! thank you so much to everyone who helped us make this record! There have been some incredible albums nominated over the years and we’re delighted to be in such good company this year”
Starless ‘Starless’
Starless is the lushly orchestrated debut album from Paul McGeechan. An epic and unique album – widescreen in scope and ambition, featuring such illustrious collaborators as Paul Buchanan (The Blue Nile), Karen Matheson (Capercaillie), Julie Fowlis and Chris Thomson (The Bathers). The album was recorded with the stunning Prague Philharmonic Orchestra resulting in an emotional soundscape with references ranging from Ennio Morricone to The Cocteau Twins and David Sylvian.
“It’s fantastic to be considered for such a prestigious award, especially in the company of so many great Scottish albums.”
Teenage Fanclub ‘Here’
Here was recorded in Provence and Pollokshields, mixed in Hamburg, and mastered in London. The band worked on it slowly until they were happy with it, and then they put it out. Since their inception in 1989 and now, not much has changed, they’re still doing the same thing, in much the same way as they always have.
TeenCanteen ‘Say It All With A Kiss’
Sticky cherry-cola-kissed harmonies, talking toms and stomping beats in a new Wall of Sound, TeenCanteen’s début album ‘Say It All With A Kiss’ was released to critical acclaim via Last Night From Glasgow Records. Recorded in mono and produced by Stephen Watkins, the album features Aurora Engine and The Cairn String Quartet.
“It was amazing to see our album nominated in the first place and it’s a great acknowledgement of something we are proud of and worked hard to create with the support from our fans.” – Carla Easton, TeenCanteen
Vukovi ‘Vukovi’
Scottish quartet VUKOVI mix heavy rock riffs with melodic, catchy vocals to create a sound that is as intense as it is fun. Fronted by the feisty Janine Shilstone, they are best known for their raucous live show and their self-titled debut lived up to the hype with critical acclaim internationally as well as on home turf.
“Scotland has produced some of the best artists in the world for being such a small country. For our body of work to be longlisted is great sense of recognition – especially as it’s from our home turf!”
Key Dates
May 24‘Live at The Longlist’ – The SAY Award Longlist Announcement at the O₂ ABC
May 29 – June 11 The SAY Award Longlist Promotion
June 12 – June 14 The SAY Award Public Vote
June 15 The SAY Award Shortlist Announcement
June 19 – June 25th The SAY Award Shortlist promotion
June 28 The SAY Award Ceremony
The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production, in partnership with the National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund, Renfrewshire Council, Black Bottle, TicketWeb and PPL. The SAY Award is delighted to support Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.
Judges
Stuart Cosgrove (Writer/Broadcaster), Caroline Winn (Glasgow International), Roland Gulliver (Edinburgh International Book Festival), Amy Liptrop (Writer), Claire Gevaux (Help Musicians UK), Tallah Brash (The Skinny), Lauren Martin (Red Bull Music Academy), Andy Hannah (Line Of Best Fit), David Scott (University of the West of Scotland), Barry Price (Sub Club), Stephanie McWhinnie (TV Producer), John Williamson [CHAIR] (Glasgow University)
Tickets, interviews & hi-res images are available on request are available on request from Alice Sawyer / Shauna McGregor at Genuine PR on alice@genuinepr.com / shauna@genuinepr.com or call 0141 243 2621
Follow us on Twitter: #SAYAward #SAYlonglist17
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is a trade body based in Glasgow that was set up in 2008 to foster, promote and serve the best interests of Scotland’s music industry. Their membership encompasses individuals and organisations working across all sectors of Scotland’s music industry, including artist managers, promoters, record labels, studios, artists, distributors and more. The SMIA has two core objectives, to both strengthen and champion Scotland’s music industry, and they do this through a variety of projects each year. These projects include training events such as workshops and master classes, sector meet-ups, and their biggest project, The SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) Award, Scotland’s national music prize. The SMIA also lobby government on behalf of its members, as well as offer informal support, such as by doing introductions to new contacts and companies.
Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 will use the town’s unique and fascinating story to transform its future — by putting the town in the international spotlight, attracting visitors, creating jobs and using culture to make people’s lives better.
The one-time global textile hub and birthplace of the Paisley Pattern is also home to stunning architecture, an internationally-significant museum collection, Glasgow Airport, University of the West of Scotland, West College Scotland, PACE Theatre Company and a thriving contemporary cultural scene.
The UK City of Culture competition is run by the UK Government. The shortlisted cities will be announced in spring 2017, and the winner at the end of the year. Find out more about our story at www.paisley2021.co.uk
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com.
Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
Black Bottle is an official partner of The SAY award. The blended Scotch was created in Aberdeen in 1879 by former tea blender Gordon Graham, and has always done things a bit differently. In addition to its iconic black glass bottle, its use in cocktails has always been encouraged. Black Bottle drinks will be served at the SAY Award Ceremony, including four unique cocktails each one carefully created to be paired with one of the live performances. www.blackbottle.com
TicketWeb started in 1995 as small group of music fans who wanted to build a truly DIY ticket site dedicated to shining a light on the freshest new acts. After launching in the U.S., Canada, the UK & Ireland we soon became the go-to ticket seller for independent promoters and venues on both sides of the Atlantic. Two decades later and we’re still proud to be part of that scene but now we also work directly with the artists who fill those venues to make it even easier for real fans to get into their shows. Find out more at http://www.ticketweb.co.uk.
PPL is the music licensing company which works on behalf of record companies and performers to license recorded music played in public (at pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, offices and many other business types) and broadcast on TV and radio across the UK. Our members include major record labels and independents as well as globally successful performers and session musicians, ranging from orchestral players to percussionists and singers.
PPL also operates an international royalty collection service helping members to get paid when their music is played internationally. http://www.ppluk.com @PPLUK.