Shortlist for 2022 Scottish Album of the Year Award announced

The shortlist for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has been announced, with records from Fergus McCreadie, Kathryn Joseph and Walt Disco making the final selection.

Nine of the albums were chosen by a panel of cultural tastemakers and industry professionals ahead of the ceremony in Stirling later this month, with the tenth chosen by music fans via this year’s 72-hour online public vote.

As well as the winner receiving the £20,000 first prize – one of the most lucrative prize funds in the UK – the nine runners up take away £1,000 each, as well as bespoke trophies created via The SAY Design Commission.

The ten albums shortlisted are:

AiiTee – ‘Better Days’
Constant Follower – ‘Neither Is, Nor Ever Was’
Fergus McCreadie – ‘Forest Floor’
Hamish Hawk – ‘Heavy Elevator’
Hen Hoose – ‘Equaliser’
Kathryn Joseph – ‘for you who are the wronged’
Kobi Onyame – ‘Don’t Drink The Poison’
Niteworks – ‘A’Ghrian’
Proc Fiskal – ‘Siren Spine Sysex’
Walt Disco – ‘Unlearning’

Robert Kilpatrick, Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) and The SAY Award, said: “The SAY Award Shortlist recognises 10 of the best Scottish records of the last year, firmly showcasing the strength and diversity of Scotland’s recorded output in 2022.

“In just two weeks time, we’ll be celebrating and championing each of these records at Stirling’s Albert Halls, with one set to take the coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year along with the £20,000 first prize. Massive congratulations and best of luck to all shortlisted artists.

“Past, present and future, Scottish music is something to be cherished, celebrated and excited about. The SAY Award offers an important focal point for us to reflect on what our musical output says about who we are as a nation, and I look forward to recognising Scotland’s ever-evolving cultural identity and the work of some of our most exciting artists at the Ceremony later this month.”

The next generation of Scottish musical talent is also recognised for a second year, with the announcement of the five Sound of Young Scotland Finalists.

Supported by Ticketmaster, Youth Music Initiative and Youth Music, the finalists, narrowed down from 71 eligible submissions, include Berta Kennedy, Dead Pony, KLEO, Psweatpants and Uninvited.

The SAY Award also announced its Modern Scottish Classic Award Winner for 2022 as ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ by Cocteau Twins.

Presented in association with YouTube Music, for a second year, the 20 SAY Award longlisted artists voted for Scottish albums predating The SAY Award’s establishment that still inspire music being made in Scotland today.

Elizabeth Fraser, lead vocalist of Cocteau Twins, said: “What a delightful surprise! Thank you for expressing such heartfelt affection for ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ and for presenting us with an award that we are thrilled and honoured to receive. Thank you so much.”

Simon Raymonde, the band’s bassist, added: “When I was invited to join the band in January 1984, I just knew from the first session that we wrote music together that this was going to be a special time in my life and Elizabeth and Robin could not have made me feel more ‘at home’ and I was never made to feel like the odd (English) man out.

“What I couldn’t have known was the impact our music was going to have, and ‘Heaven Or Las Vegas’ the subject of this wonderful accolade from SAY. Even 32 years after its release it seems to keep finding new fans, without the aid of any reunion tours, marketing campaigns or fancy reissues.

“It is without doubt a great privilege to have been part of this band with two of the most talented Scottish musicians of the last 50 years, for such a big part of my life, and I am still moved by the reaction that ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ in particular continues to have. The award is humbling and I am grateful to everyone who chose this over so many other wonderful possibilities.”