Being Scottish myself I might be a bit biased, but the music scene in Scotland, particularly the alternative scene, has always been interesting, and not just the postcard era either.
Incidentally, if you’re interested in the history of Scottish music, it’s well worth watching the series “Rip it up” currently showing on BBC Scotland, but also available this side of the border on iPlayer. Some interesting stuff, with interviews with the likes of Alan McGee and Richard Jobson of The Skids.
Anyway, the 9th Scottish Alternative Music Awards or SAMAs return for the ninth year to celebrate the Scottish Music scene this October.
Launched in 2010, past winners include Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5, Gerry Cinnamon, Be Charlotte and The Ninth Wave
Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 – Picture by John W. King
Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 – Picture by John W. King
Be Charlotte – Picture by John W. King
The awards will take place at Saint Luke’s Glasgow on Thursday 25th October and will feature the following 7 categories:
Best Rock in association with Eventbrite UK
Best Live Act in association with XpoNorth
Best Newcomer in association with The Academy of Music & Sound
Best Hip Hop in association with Help Musicians UK
Best Metal in association with Hard Rock Café Glasgow
Best Electronic in association with citizenM
Best Acoustic in association with Assai UK
Each award has four nominees, and is identified from 21 music industry judges, the winners are then decided by the public.
The SAMAs ceremony will also raise money for Help Musicians Scotland’s mental health charity, ‘Music Minds Matter’. The nominations and public vote will take place in September.
Other event partners include The Skinny, Pistonhead Lager, Jagermeister, BRAW, and The Print Box.
SAMA founder, Richy Muirhead, said: “After hosting the SAMAs Paisley Takeover and showcases at Xpo North earlier this year, I’m very excited for the 2018 awards process to begin! The ceremony will be a giant celebration with the 7 awards, performances, and bringing together the music industry and music fans. Scotland has always punched well above it’s weight, and it’s important we take a moment to celebrate this culture!”
The first act announced to perform live at the ceremony is Edinburgh based electronica artist Benjamin John Power or otherwise known as Blanck Mass. Tickets for the ceremony are available now (£10 / £20) via Eventbrite
