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Hands Up for Trad have opened nominations for this year\u2019s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.<\/p>\nHands Up for Trad have opened nominations for this year\u2019s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.<\/p>\n
The much-anticipated MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards celebrates excellence in traditional music. Honouring artists, instrumentalists, composers and singer-songwriters plus phenomenal performances from some of the biggest names in traditional music, the ceremony recognises outstanding musical talent from all over Scotland.<\/p>\n
NOMINATE YOUR FAVOURITE ACT OR ORGANISATION HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The public have until Sunday 14th<\/sup>October to nominate in each of the eighteen categories with the prestigious prizes encompassing all aspects of traditional music including Composer of the Year Award <\/strong>sponsored by PRS for Music, the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music <\/strong>which is equalled in cash only by the Mercury Music Prize and was last year awarded to neo-trad quintet, Elephant Sessions<\/a>. The award of \u00a325,000 is accompanied by a craft beer brewed in the winner\u2019s name. The winners will be unveiled in front of an audience of music fans and industry at Perth Concert Hall on 1st<\/sup>December 2018.<\/p>\n Organising body, Hands Up for Trad<\/a> was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of Scottish Traditional Music through information, education and advocacy.<\/p>\n Hands Up for Trad\u2019s Creative Director Simon Thoumire <\/strong>said: \u201cIt is very exciting to begin the 2018 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. It\u2019s been another exciting year with lots of fabulous albums released and gigs played. Thanks again to all our sponsors and partners for making the Scots Trad Music Awards possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Communications Manager for MG ALBA, Murdo MacSween<\/strong>, said: \u201cThe MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are a stand-out event in the Scottish music calendar and we\u2019re proud to work with Hands up for Trad to showcase world class talent and the height of creativity.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Stuart Fleming, PRS for Music Senior Manager, Scotland & Northern Ireland, said:<\/strong>\u201cI am delighted that PRS for Music is once again supporting the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, celebrating the fantastic traditional music of Scotland\u2019s rich and exciting culture. These awards recognise talent from all over Scotland, and the traditional scene is only continuing to grow.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hand Up for Trad are also delighted to announce the longlist for Trad Album of the Year<\/strong>, sponsored by Birnam CD. The award shines a light on the traditional recording industry and showcases the vast number of albums released each year in the trad and folk music genre. The longlist of 25 albums, decided by an industry panel is included below:<\/p>\n Air F\u00e0ir an L\u00e0 by Niteworks<\/strong><\/p>\n alterum by Julie Fowlis<\/strong><\/p>\n Bare Knuckle by Chris Stout and Catriona McKay<\/strong><\/p>\n Ellipsis by Fourth Moon<\/strong><\/p>\n EVO by SKERRYVORE<\/strong><\/p>\n Glasgow by Findlay Napier<\/strong><\/p>\n In Praise of Home by Rura<\/strong><\/p>\n Inyal by Inyal<\/strong><\/p>\n Notes from the boat by Mike Vass<\/strong><\/p>\n Pipes by John Mulhearn<\/strong><\/p>\n Punch by The Poozies<\/strong><\/p>\n Sanctuary by Ross Ainslie<\/strong><\/p>\n Sandwood by Duncan Chisholm<\/strong><\/p>\n SOLO by Sarah-Jane Summers<\/strong><\/p>\n Some Other Land by Adam Sutherland<\/strong><\/p>\n Sr\u00f2mos by James Duncan Mackenzie<\/strong><\/p>\n Symbiosis II by Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton<\/strong><\/p>\n Tales From The North by Calum Stewart<\/strong><\/p>\n The Key by Blazin\u2019 Fiddes<\/strong><\/p>\n The Morning Tempest by Josie Duncan & Pablo Lafuente<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pipe Slang by Jamie MacDonald & Christian Gamauf<\/strong><\/p>\n The Railway by Hamish Napier<\/strong><\/p>\n The Rough Bounds by Daimh<\/strong><\/p>\n The Seer by Lauren MacColl<\/strong><\/p>\n Undersong by Salt House<\/strong><\/p>\n The longlist will now be whittled down to a shortlist of ten albums which is decided by 50% industry panel and 50% public.<\/p>\n Broadcast live on BBC ALBA, the evening provides entertainment from key figures dominating Scotland\u2019s rapidly growing traditional music scene. The line-up includes Croft No Five<\/a>, M\u00e0nran<\/a>, Karine Polwart Trio<\/a>, Hannah Rarity<\/a>, Eabhal<\/a>, Catriona Watt<\/a>, Gordon Duncan Experience<\/a>and Gerda Stevenson<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can nominate your favourite acts or organisations via http:\/\/www.scotstradmusicawards.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Keep up to date on Twitter @handsupfortrad<\/a> Instagram @handsupfortrad<\/a> on Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/handsupfortrad<\/a> and use hashtag #Natrads<\/strong><\/p>\n If you wish to attend the final ceremony, tickets are available to buy via: https:\/\/www.horsecross.co.uk\/whats-on\/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-35002<\/a> For box office call 01738 621031 or email box@horsecross.co.uk.<\/p>\n Notes to Editors:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Imagery and Logos available via Dropbox<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Key Dates:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n October 2nd<\/sup>\u2013 14th<\/sup><\/strong> Online Nominations Open to the Public<\/p>\n November 6th<\/sup>– 23rd<\/sup><\/strong> Shortlist of 10 Announced and Online Voting Open<\/p>\n 1st<\/sup>December <\/strong> MG ALBA Scots Traditional Music Awards Final Ceremony<\/p>\n Press is handled by Genuine<\/a>. For further press information please contact Chris Hunt \/ Shauna McGregor at Genuine on chris@genuine.scot \/ shauna@genuine.scot<\/p>\n Hand Up for Trad<\/a><\/strong>– Hands Up for Trad exists to promote Scottish traditional music through information, education and advocacy to artists, participants and audiences across Scotland.<\/p>\n MG ALBA<\/a><\/strong> is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan G\u00e0idhlig (Gaelic Media Service). MG ALBA works in partnership with the BBC to deliver BBC ALBA. Find out more about MG ALBA and the partnership at www.mgalba.com<\/a>or visit www.bbcalba.co.uk<\/a>for scheduling and programme information.<\/p>\n Creative Scotland<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com<\/a>. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com\/CreativeScotland<\/a><\/p>\n Perth & Kinross Council<\/a><\/strong> is the local government council for the Perth and Kinross area of Scotland. With a focus on improvement, we are dedicated to listening to communities, understanding what is important, mobilising our strengths and working together to deliver what matters. The Council is committed to improving services; enhancing the quality of life of our citizens and making best use of public resources.<\/p>\n