The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) return this year to Glasgow marking their fourteenth edition of the event, celebrating and putting a spotlight on underground music genres and artists from Scotland.
This year’s nominations represent 7 music awards, and were selected from 21 UK based industry professionals from organisations including Clash Mag, Tenement TV, Triple G, Cryptic, DF Concerts, Summerhall, Kelburn Garden Party, Wide Days and more. A 3 day public vote will take place online from Monday 20th to 22nd November, with the winners being unveiled exclusively at the ceremony.
The ceremony will be hosted by radio DJ Jim Gellatly, and poet Leyla Josephine, with guest presenters throughout the evening. Live music is at the heart of SAMA and this year welcomes 3 unique music performances including Glasgow psychedelic outfit Helicon, fresh from their UK/EU tour in support of their album “God Intentions”, Dundee songwriter Theo Bleak who recently supported Suede, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, and Zimbabwe born Glasgow-based rapper Eyve who recently released her “GO HONEY GO” EP and performed at Sonica and Pitch Scotland festivals.
The 2023 Scottish Alternative Music Awards nominees are:
Best Acoustic sponsored by Songbox
- Alice Faye
- Ciar Nixon
- Dot Allison
- Hank Tree
Best Electronic sponsored by Sonica
- Casual Worker
- Chong
- Isa Gordon
- Kami-O
Best Hip Hop sponsored by Help Musicians
- JusHarry
- Queen of Harps
- Supermann on da Beat
- Triple01s
Best Metal sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe, Glasgow
- Coffin Mulch
- Hellripper
- Sixth Wonder
- To Kill Achilles
Best Newcomer sponsored by Snack Mag
- GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH
- Majesty Palm
- The Joy Hotel
- Yxng STUNNA
Best Live Act sponsored by Musician’s Union
- An Dannsa Dub
- corto.alto
- Kairogen
- VLURE
Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox
- Bottle Rockets
- Humour
- The Big Day
- Tina Sandwich
SAMA Founder & Events Producer Richy Muirhead adds:
“For a country of our size musically we are incredibly successful and the next generations are so important for that culture to grow. Music from Scotland is very well recognised internationally, and it is important to continue supporting, celebrating and pushing underground music genres. I’m delighted to see genres such as dub, jazz, drill, and techno among the nominations. The SAMA nominations for this year are a great way to take a deeper dive into what exciting and innovative sounds are coming out of Scotland.”
Tickets for the ceremony on Friday 1st December at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow are on sale now from £12.00 available at Eventbrite and officialsama.com
SAMA is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Head of Music at Creative Scotland, Alan Morrison, said: “As Scotland continues to diversify, enriching our musical landscape with different styles and developing genres, SAMA are always there to support and celebrate the emerging artists who will shape the sounds of tomorrow. Year after year these awards put new acts on the radar of music fans at home and abroad while setting the agenda for the industry to follow. With the public vote now on the horizon, it’s time to congratulate the nominees who keep our listening habits fresh and exciting.”
For more information on SAMA visit officialsama.com