CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

SAY Award opens applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award

A search for new Scottish talent has officially launched with The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award opening applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award.

SAY Award opens applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award

Article Source: SAY Award
Last Updated: 31 July 2024 10:30

31st July - The country’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, has opened applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award.

Artists can apply for The Sound of Young Scotland Award for FREE via www.sayaward.com until midnight on Wednesday 21st August.

The next generation of Scottish talent can apply to win a funding package worth up to £10,000 to support the creation of their debut album, as well as gain the coveted title of the Sound of Young Scotland at this year’s prestigious SAY Award Ceremony in Stirling. The award is supported by Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music, with the aim of stimulating and supporting the future of Scottish music. The package includes; cash grants for studio/production costs, in-kind use of The Tolbooth in Stirling (inc. the studio, venue space for filming etc.), a performance slot at 2025’s SAY Award Ceremony, 250 vinyl pressings of their debut album from Seabass Vinyl and much more.

Plus, The SAY Award has revealed over 300 eligible albums have been submitted and are now being considered for 2024’s prize. Albums from artists including Mercury Prize nominated Barry Can’t Swim, Siobhan Wilson, The Snuts and more were submitted, with all 300 albums now being considered for Scotland’s national music prize and the £20,000 prize.

The Sound of Young Scotland Award is now in its fourth year, having supported and championed some of the country’s brightest emerging talent. Previous winners include LVRA (2021), Berta Kennedy (2022) and No Windows (2023). To be eligible for the award, artists must be: 18 – 25, have never released an album and be a ‘Scottish’ artist (born in Scotland, 50% of core members born in Scotland, or have made Scotland their creative base for the past two years). View full eligibility criteria and prize fund conditions at www.sayaward.com

The Sound of Young Scotland Award winner will be unveiled at the prestigious SAY Award Ceremony in Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24th October, alongside the winner of The Scottish Album of the Year Award and the Modern Scottish Classic Award. A limited number of early-bird Ceremony tickets are on sale now via www.sayaward.com

Morag Macdonald, Youth Music Initiative Manager at Creative Scotland, said: “The Sound of Young Scotland Award is a life-changing opportunity that platforms Scotland’s most exciting young musicians while supporting one act to realise their ambitions of creating a debut album. With support from the Scottish Government, the Youth Music Initiative recognises the value and importance of this award in removing barriers to access for young people in music and take this significant step in progressing their career in music.”

2024’s funding package includes:
• Cash grants totaling £5,500 to go towards activities such as studio hire costs, session musician fees, equipment rentals and more.
• In-kind use of The Tolbooth’s recording studio in Stirling – up to 6 days recording time and 3 days mixing/mastering, or use of venue space for filming and photo requirements
• A performance slot at 2025’s SAY Award ceremony, one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s musical calendar, in front of industry professionals, journalists and music fans
• A bespoke art prize from The SAY Award Design Commission
• 6 hours of one-to-one business advice from industry experts, arranged via Help Musicians
• Online meet-ups with other Help Musicians’ awardees and industry guests, arranged via Help Musicians
• Invites to online peer drop-in spaces with other musicians, arranged via Help Musicians (optional)
• Access to a healthy practice session delivered by BAPAM, arranged via Help Musicians (optional)
• A run of up to 250 vinyl pressings of the album created via the prize; provided in-kind by Seabass Vinyl, Scotland’s first vinyl pressing plant

The cash grants provided via The Sound of Young Scotland Award include support directly from:
• Help Musicians’ Next Level Award, designed to support musicians ready to pursue a career-changing opportunity.
• Youth Music’s NextGen Fund; designed to support early-stage musicians and wider music adjacent creatives to invest in their own projects and make their ideas happen.

A cross-genre judging panel of 11 previous SAY Award nominees will review eligible Sound of Young Scotland Award submissions, whittling applicants down to five. The five finalists will be announced alongside The SAY Award Shortlist, before the judging panel reconvenes to choose the final winner.

The Sound of Young Scotland Award is supported by Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music, with the aim of stimulating and supporting the future of Scottish music. Help Musicians is a charity for professional musicians of all genres, giving them the support they need at all stages throughout their career, whilst Youth Music is the country’s leading young people’s music charity, believing that every young person should have the chance to make, learn and earn in music. The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative is administered by Creative Scotland and aims to provide access to music-making opportunities for children and young people who may not normally have the chance to participate. Together, the three organisations will support the delivery of this year’s Sound of Young Scotland Award; paving the way for future generations of Scottish musicians to thrive and contribute to the country’s world-class recorded output.

The Sound of Young Scotland Award winner will also receive a bespoke prize created by a Stirling-based artist via The SAY Award Design Commission. Expressions of interest for Stirling-based artists are open until Monday 5th August, with local creatives encouraged to design an award with sustainability at its forefront. To enter the Design Commision visit www.sayaward.com/designcommission

The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production. The SAY Award 2024 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Stirling Council, Stirling Alive with Culture, Seabass Vinyl, Ticketmaster, Help Musicians, HMV, FOPP, PPL, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music and Music Declares Emergency.

The SAY Award’s charity partner is once again Scotland’s national children’s and young people’s mental health charity, Tiny Changes, set up in memory of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison to help young minds feel better.

Now in its thirteenth year, previous winners of The SAY Award include; Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ (2023), Fergus McCreadie ‘Forest Floor’ (2022), Mogwai ‘As The Love Continues' (2021), Nova ‘Re-Up’ (2020), Auntie Flo ‘Radio Highlife’ (2019), Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012).

Early-bird SAY Award Ceremony tickets on sale now via www.sayaward.com £18 + booking fee

Don’t miss The SAY Award 2024 news - follow the award on social media across Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward, Facebook @SAYaward and TikTok @thesayaward

Image: SYS 2023 winners No Windows
Image credit: Euan Robertson

Sponsored Links

Children's Classic Concerts
Scotonomics
Escape The Past
Fayre Play
St Mary's Music School

Latest Edinburgh News

Significant pledge of support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Leith Theatre

Significant pledge of support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Leith Theatre

Leith Theatre Trust today revealed that it has secured a significant funding package potentially worth £4.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

READ MORE
National Lottery funding award for Community Outreach Officer at Edinburgh Open Workshop

National Lottery funding award for Community Outreach Officer at Edinburgh Open Workshop

Edinburgh Open Workshop is delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support a new Community Outreach Officer.

READ MORE
Jump into February Half Term Fun at Gravity Active Edinburgh

Jump into February Half Term Fun at Gravity Active Edinburgh

Searching for the ultimate family adventure this February Half Term? Look no further than Gravity Active Edinburgh!

READ MORE
First Gigs on Sale for Edinburgh Tradfest

First Gigs on Sale for Edinburgh Tradfest

Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to announce the first of its gigs for 2025 are now on sale.

READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort Introduces Ultimate Surf Getaway

Lost Shore Surf Resort Introduces Ultimate Surf Getaway

Lost Shore Surf Resort is celebrating its growing popularity by introducing an exciting new “Surf and Stay” package.

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
GC Live raises over thousands for Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Campaign

GC Live raises over thousands for Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Campaign

This year’s Starry Nights event at Beecraigs Country Park and the Fawkes Festival at the Royal Highland Centre raised a combined £6,000 for Cash for Kids Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife, and Falkirk.

READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Extends Biggest Hands On Careers Showcase in Scotland

Dynamic Earth Extends Biggest Hands On Careers Showcase in Scotland

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce the return and extension of its School Careers Showcase: Your Planet, Your Future.

READ MORE
February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Valentine's Day to Rugby, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events this February!

READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Edinburgh's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

READ MORE
EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

Local Edinburgh residents are invited to take advantage of some exciting offers at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood.

READ MORE
Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh in St James Quarter is celebrating its second birthday this week, and all guests are invited to play a special birthday game that can see you dine for free.

READ MORE
Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

It’s the Year of the Snake, and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter had an exciting line-up of celebrations taking place at the weekend.

READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
itison Us charity call out

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

READ MORE
Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

READ MORE
Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

A limited edition whisky has been produced celebrating Edinburgh Castle’s iconic One O’Clock Gun with only 288 bottles made exclusive to Historic Environment Scotland.

READ MORE
Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

It’s the Year of the Snake and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter has its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.

READ MORE
Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

The Leddie, Aberlady's boutique hotel and restaurant, has today unveiled its latest Valentine-focused event programme to bring people together in a cosy and intimate setting.

READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

READ MORE
Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre.

READ MORE
Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls

Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls

This Valentine’s is the perfect time to try something different and Volcano Falls has just the thing!

READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

READ MORE
Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years

Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years

Alice Cooper announces two exclusive UK shows for 2025 with at date at Edinburgh Playhouse in July!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
Wonder & Co
The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
EU Footlights
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Children's Classic Concerts
Scotonomics
Escape The Past
Fayre Play
St Mary's Music School
St Mary's Music School
Wonder & Co
The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
EU Footlights
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Chicago
Chicago returns to razzle dazzle theatres across the country in 2025, don't miss your chance to see it when it returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse in February!
childhood, interrupted
The first show of 2025 at The House of Smalls is 'childhood, interrupted' an exhibition of artwork by 70 artists responding to childhood experience, memories and trauma.
Mary Poppins
Direct from the West End, the classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins comes to the Festival Theatre from 12th January!
The Crafters Roadshow - The Centre Livingston
Shop from the best in Scottish Crafts and support your local makers when The Crafters Roadshow comes to The Centre Livingston!
Big Kid Circus: Edinburgh
The Big Kid Circus is in town again with a brand new show for 2025. Catch it at the Gyle Shopping Centre Car Park in February!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall