CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

The Say Award announce Live Showcase line up for 2020 award ceremony

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award today announce an incredible line-up of emerging artists set to perform at this year’s online award ceremony.

The Say Award announce Live Showcase line up for 2020 award ceremony

Article Source: Material
Last Updated: 16 October 2020 13:58

THE SAY AWARD ANNOUNCE LIVE SHOWCASE LINE-UP FOR 2020 AWARD CEREMONY, INCLUDING HAPPY SPENDY, KAPIL SESHASAYEE, VLURE AND ZOE GRAHAM

WINNER OF £20,000 PRIZE AND COVETED TITLE WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA DIGITAL BROADCAST ON 29TH OCTOBER

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award today announce an incredible line-up of emerging artists set to perform at this year’s online award ceremony. Filmed at Edinburgh’s Summerhall, the four acts chosen to perform are Happy Spendy, Kapil Seshasayee, Vlure and Zoe Graham.

The SAY Award ceremony traditionally provides a showcasing opportunity for some of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists. The artists chosen to showcase usually perform to an invited audience of over 800 guests, made up of artists, industry professionals and press and media from across the UK. This year, broadcasting as a YouTube Premiere from 7pm on 29th October, fans from across the world are invited to tune in to discover their new favourite act, as well as find out who will collect one of the most lucrative prize funds in the UK as the Scottish Album of the Year winner is announced, collecting £20,000 along with the coveted title.

Ensure you don’t miss The SAY Award ceremony by subscribing to The SAY Award YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAYaward

With this year’s SAY Award campaign going digital for the first time ever due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, fans around the world now have the chance to be front-row at the traditionally industry-only exclusive final award ceremony, broadcasting as a YouTube Premiere. Set to be an outstanding celebration of the country’s flourishing and diverse music scene, Glasgow based synth-pop purveyors of feelgood sad songs Happy Spendy will perform on the night, having released their brand new compilation album ‘You’re Doing Okay’ in June this year, which received support from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio Scotland. They will be joined by songwriter and soundsmith Kapil Seshasayee who combines electronica flourishes with Indian Classical guitar, stunning vocals and unorthodox instrumentation to create some of Scotland’s most exciting new sounds, hailed by the likes of VICE and Pitchfork. Glasgow five-piece VLURE also join the line-up, with synth laden hooks and club influenced rhythm twisting around emotionally confronting lyrics, the band create an intense, life affirming live show which will be extremely welcome in a year sorely missing live performances. Singer-songwriter Zoe Graham completes The SAY Award ceremony line-up, perfecting her knack for refining universal emotions into electronic pop and having just released her new EP ‘Gradual Move’ last month, Zoe is a true star on the rise.

One artist and their album will then be crowned the Scottish Album of the Year, in turn collecting £20,000 – one of the most lucrative prize funds in the UK – and a bespoke physical award, created by Glasgow based designer and architect Rekha Barry.

The 2020 Judging Panel, who will decide the ultimate winner of the award, is chaired by John Williamson and includes: Ally McCrae (Producer, BBC), Charlotte Dryden (CEO, NI Music Prize), Dirk Löwenberg (Head of Member Services, GVL), Edith Bowman (Broadcaster), Fay Milton (Founder of SAY Award charity partner, Music Declares Emergency), Jack Saunders (BBC Radio 1 Presenter), Jess Brough (Founder/Director of Fringe of Colour), Kieran Hurley (Playwright), Maurits Westerik (Director, Best Kept Secret Festival), Solène Lorry (Head of Label & Artist Relations (France), YouTube), Wezi Mhura (Creative Producer & Founder of AfriFest & BLM Mural Trail).

This year’s Shortlist of ten includes a record-breaking eight debut albums; a first in the history of the award. The 10 Shortlisted albums in the running for the Scottish Album of the Year Award title are:

The SAY Award Shortlist for 2020:
Blanck Mass Animated Violence Mild
Bossy Love Me + U
Callum Easter Here Or Nowhere
Cloth Cloth
Comfort Not Passing
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold
Erland Cooper Sule Skerry
The Ninth Wave Infancy
NOVA RE-UP
SHHE SHHE

2020’s Shortlist provides a snapshot of the strength and diversity of Scotland’s music scene, spanning a range of genres and styles to celebrate the country’s most outstanding albums, and the incredible network of people who created them. Each Shortlisted album has won a guaranteed minimum prize of £1,000, and will receive an exclusively designed art prize.

In a special one off series to celebrate the Shortlist, The SAY Award have teamed up with Tim Burgess’ Twitter Listening Parties to bring music fans together to discover their new favourite Scottish album each evening from 26th - 28th October, prior to the winner announcement on Thursday 29th October. Timings for The SAY Award special #TimsTwitterListeningParty can be found on timstwitterlisteningparty.com

For 2020’s SAY Award, a record-breaking 362 eligible album submissions were narrowed down to the 20-strong Longlist by 100 impartial nominators; representing a variety of genres including jazz, classical, hip-hop, pop, trad folk, rock, electronic, indie and many more. The Longlist has now been whittled down to a Shortlist of just 10 albums, with the final winner chosen by the esteemed Judging Panel.

Developed and produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), the 2020 campaign is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, YouTube Music, 54EP, Sweetdram, Culture & Business Fund Scotland via Arts & Business Scotland, PPL, Summerhall, Ticketmaster and new charity partner Music Declares Emergency.

Previous winners of The SAY Award include 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).

To keep up with The SAY Award 2020 journey, make sure you follow the award on Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward and Facebook @SAYaward

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Glasgow Science Centre
East Renfrewshire Culture

Latest East Renfrewshire News

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Libraries welcome authors to celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025

East Renfrewshire Libraries welcome authors to celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025

East Renfrewshire libraries are set to celebrate Book Week Scotland, 17th - 23rd November, with a series of author events and workshops.

READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

READ MORE
Big Clean Up takes place in Barrhead

Big Clean Up takes place in Barrhead

The Barrhead Big Clean Up took place last week, with Council colleagues, local volunteers, school pupils and businesses coming together to help keep East Renfrewshire beautiful.

READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

READ MORE
Sport and physical activity champions recognised at awards

Sport and physical activity champions recognised at awards

Sports and physical activity champions from across East Renfrewshire have been recognised for their contributions.

READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

READ MORE
Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!

READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Hostelworld
ATG

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Glasgow Science Centre
East Renfrewshire Culture
Renfrewshire Council
Hostelworld
ATG

Popular Events

GHA Fireworks Display
The annual GHA Rugby Football Club Fireworks display, the largest and best in the Southside, will be taking place on Wednesday 5th November 2025!
Nae Fireworks Night
Join the Whitelee Rangers at their firework free zone on Wednesday 5th November and walk your dog in peace!
Spark In The Dark
Enjoy a fun and safe evening with sparklers, hot food and great company at Newton Mearns Baptist Church's Spark In The Dark on Friday 7th November!
All About Barrhead’s Winter Glow Up
Wrap up warm, bring your pals or the wee ones, and come be part of Barrhead's biggest festive celebration of the year on Saturday 22nd November!
Giffnock’s Christmas Village
Join the Giffnock Village team on Saturday 8th November for a magical day of festive fun featuring a Christmas market, street performers, live music and dance performances, Santa's grotto and more!

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre