SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.
Article Source: The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
Last Updated: 17 October 2024 8:21
17th October - With only one week to go until The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award Ceremony where 2024’s winner will be announced, the country’s national music prize has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive. Handcrafted by renowned Dunblane-based glass artist Elin Isaksson, the art prizes, as part of The SAY Award Design Commission, feature stunning recycled glass with colours drawn from Scotland’s natural landscape.
Welcoming Scotland’s music industry to Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24 October, the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) will crown the winner of the £20,000 prize whilst celebrating all 10 albums on this year’s SAY Award Shortlist, with the Ceremony hosted by broadcasters Nicola Meighan and Vic Galloway.
The SAY Award Shortlist for 2024, with all albums in the running to win the £20,000 first prize and coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year is:
Arab Strap I'm totally fine with it 'don't give a fuck anymore-
Barry Can't Swim When Will We Land?
Becky Sikasa The Writings and the Pictures and the Song
corto.alto Bad With Names
Dead Pony IGNORE THIS
Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand Willson Williams
Lucia & The Best Boys Burning Castles
Rachel Sermanni Dreamer Awake
rEDOLENT dinny greet
Theo Bleak Pain
CEREMONY PERFORMANCES TO INCLUDE CELEBRATION OF MODERN SCOTTISH CLASSIC WINNER…
Guests on the night will enjoy live performances from three-time former SAY Award nominee Bemz, DJ Rebecca Vasmant and 2023’s Sound of Young Scotland winners No Windows, plus a tribute to the winner of this year’s Modern Scottish Classic Award, ‘Grit’ by Martyn Bennett.
Greg Lawson, founder of the Grit Orchestra and Martyn’s close friend, has curated a special performance to celebrate the record, with Greg himself laying down his conductor’s baton to join Croft No. Five on violin, with acclaimed singer Fiona Hunter taking on Sheila Stewart and Lizzie Higgins vocal contributions to songs on the album.
Croft No. Five, widely considered one of the most influential folk fusion acts, were selected by Greg Lawson to pay tribute to ‘Grit’. Greg recognised that the band share Martyn’s uncompromising commitment to making music with serious intent, which they transmit through their dance floor filling fusion of folk, funk and electronica.
Greg Lawson is a violinist, composer, conductor and founder of the Grit Orchestra, the 80 piece orchestra which he formed to perform live versions of Martyn’s music. The orchestra united Scotland’s leading folk, jazz and classical musicians, and their premier performance opened Celtic Connections in 2015. The Grit Orchestra went on to perform at WOMAD, the Edinburgh International Festival and sold out Glasgow’s Hydro. The performance, specially curated for The SAY Award Ceremony in conjunction with The Martyn Bennett Trust, is set to be a moving tribute to ‘Grit’, 21 years after its release.
Since its inception, The SAY Award Design Commission has funded makers to create bespoke prizes for the musicians recognised at The SAY Award Ceremony. Previous prizes have included jesmonite arches, natural slate veneer lamps, and statuesque low-carbon concrete totems, from Stirlingshire makers Brutal Concrete Workshop.
The SAY Award and Stirling Council invited local makers to respond to the brief and asked to consider how they would embed sustainability into the award production with Dunblane-based contemporary glass maker Elin Isaksson appointed as this year’s maker.
Originally from Sweden, Elin moved to Scotland in 2001, where her passion for glass blowing led her to graduating from Edinburgh College of Art. Her unique sand-casted sculptures and contemporary hand-blown accessories have received national and international acclaim, and her glass can be found in many galleries. When not undertaking commissions, she teaches the ancient craft of glass blowing at her Dunblane studio.
Elin has created unique sand-casted glass sculptures for each of the nine Shortlist artists, as well as prizes for the recipients of Modern Scottish Classic Award and Sound of Young Scotland Award winners, plus one very special larger glass sculpture enhanced with real 23.5 carat gold for The SAY Award’s ultimate winner. All of the awards were cast from naturally occuring rocks found by Elin close to her Dunblane studio, and each reflects the light differently thanks to the hand pouring of the molten glass and its interaction with coloured shards recycled from previous projects.
Elin’s work is influenced by the minimalist designs taught in her early training at the Orrefors Glass School, and the colours of the Scottish landscape which feature prominently in her pieces. She describes her work as Scandinavian design, made in Scotland. One of only a handful of glassblowers left in Scotland, Elin’s work will be celebrated at an exhibition at Tolbooth Stirling in February 2025, as winner of The SAY Award Design Commission.
Elin Isaksson said, “The Design Commission challenged me to scrutinise my use of all of the resources involved in my glass making. It enabled me to experiment, to seek creative new ways to reduce waste, and has strengthened the sustainability of my practice. I’m delighted with the results. These awards are sand-cast from natural rocks I’ve found near my Dunblane studio. The colours come from adding the gem-like fragments of coloured glass from previous commissions to hand poured clear molten glass, making each award unique. The Winner’s award also includes 23.5 carat gold. I look forward to sharing prototypes of the awards and my wider work at my exhibition at the Tollbooth, Stirling in February next year.”
Elin Isaksson is the third Stirlingshire based maker appointed by the Design Commission to create bespoke awards for The SAY Award.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley said, “The unique awards designed by Elin look amazing and are more than fitting to celebrate the best of Scottish music over the last year. The SAY Award Design Commission has been a brilliant initiative to help Stirling’s creative community to put their work into the national spotlight as we have seen over the last three years.
“With only one week to go until The SAY Award Ceremony takes place at Stirling’s Albert Halls, we cannot wait to once again welcome music lovers, artists and industry representatives alike to our city as we celebrate our 900th anniversary.”
Judges will meet in Stirling to choose the winner from this year’s Shortlist, with individuals from across the cultural sphere including actress Karen Dunbar, author Doug Johnstone, Director of the V&A Dundee Leonie Bell plus music journalists, industry figureheads and more.
An award aimed at stimulating the future of Scottish music and supporting new artists, this year’s Sound of Young Scotland winner will also be unveiled at the Ceremony, with a panel of former SAY Award nominees choosing from this year’s finalists: Alice Faye, Dillon Barrie, Goliath, Pippa Blundell and Spyres.
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, Music Declares Emergency, Harviestoun Brewery and Hotel Colessio (hotel partner for The SAY Award Ceremony).
The SAY Award’s charity partner is 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).
Final SAY Award Ceremony tickets on sale via: www.sayaward.com
£18 + booking fee
Photo credit: Clair Irwin
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary
Legendary Scottish band Skerryvore have today unveiled plans to stage a special one-off concert – their biggest to date – to mark their 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
Scottish pubs to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
17 pubs across Scotland are calling on their customers to help spread a little Christmas cheer by writing cards to people facing loneliness and isolation this Christmas.
READ MORE
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues across Scotland
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues in Scotland – including a very special Andrea Bocelli screening this weekend.
READ MORE
Gavin & Stacey star kickstarts initiative to support the elderly this Christmas
Supermarket teams up with national treasure Larry Lamb to reimagine its in-store cafes as 'Chatty Cafés' and help spark conversations this Christmas.
READ MORE
Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland 2024 Ignites Inspiration across Scotland
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift the country with its theme of Hope.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre announces exciting new season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly present a thrilling lineup of magical family pantos jam packed with laughter, music, song and dance featuring some of Scotland's favourite stars!
READ MORE
CBeebies announce Beauty And The Beast for their 2024 Christmas Panto
Modern Films Family in partnership with CBeebies are excited to announce that this year's CBeebies Panto is Beauty and the Beast and that it will be in cinemas during November and December.
READ MORE
Garden Centre unveils festive dining for the whole family
From enjoying a jolly time at Santa's Breakfast to indulging in a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea or enjoying some seasonal drinks and cakes, customers at Dobbies are in for a treat.
READ MORE
Budding Fife music star selected for hometown Hit the Road show
A budding Fife music star has been selected to take part in Scotland’s esteemed youth music touring project Hit The Road at venues across Scotland this December.
READ MORE
New contemporary dance degree launches in Scotland
A leading Scottish performing arts institution has launched one of the country's first artist-led Contemporary Dance degree courses.
READ MORE
Melanie Ward MP Calls On Government to End Animal Testing
Melanie Ward, Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, attended a special reception hosted by PETA earlier this week to call on the government to end animal testing.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass launches, The Last Dram, crime fiction anthology to raise money for charity
The Glencairn Glass, the world's favourite whisky glass made by Scottish company Glencairn Crystal, has launched a collection of gripping crime fiction short stories by up-and-coming crime authors.
READ MORE
itison Drive In Movies Christmas go on sale tomorrow!
itison's popular Drive-In Movies Christmas event is returning to Loch Lomond Shores over the 13th - 24th of December and tickets for the highly anticipated events go on-sale tomorrow morning!
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort Unveils Premier Adventure Destination in Scotland
Scotland’s leisure and tourism industry is making waves as Lost Shore Surf Resort, the nation’s first inland surf destination, officially opens its doors on the 11th November.
READ MORE
itison Drive In Movies Christmas is back!
itison's Drive In Movies Christmas has announced its return to Loch Lomond Shores this December with the festive spectacular running over not just one, but two weekends!
READ MORE
French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced
The French Film Festival UK have announced the 2024 programme with more than 200 screenings of 60 French-language films across more than 25 different locations.
READ MORE
Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!
Lightbulb Film Distribution have announced that Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound will be released in UK & Irish cinemas for one night only on November 19th.
READ MORE
Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November
Dobbies Garden Centres will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.
READ MORE
Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events
25p from every ticket sold for Fawkes Festival, Starry Nights at Dean Castle and the brand-new Starry Nights experience at Beecraigs Country Park will be donated to Cash for Kids.
READ MORE
Fife piper takes Glenfiddich Piping Championship title for second year running
Decorated piper Callum Beamount, from Guardbridge in Fife, made history in Perthshire last night when he was crowned overall winner at the esteemed Glenfiddich Piping Championship.
READ MORE
Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles
The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.
READ MORE
Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland
Following a successful event at the SEC last weekend, tickets for the 2025 Scottish Wedding Show are on sale, giving brides and grooms-to-be the chance to secure tickets to the upcoming event.
READ MORE
People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.
READ MORE
New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.
READ MORE
The Crusoe unveils The Juan Fernandez Scottish Malt Whisky & Gin Bar
The Crusoe in Lower Largo, Fife has launched a Scottish malt whisky and gin bar, The Juan Fernandez, offering some of the best views in the region.
READ MORE
Scottish Institute prepares to welcome the next generation of performers
The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television is preparing to open its doors on 31st October, inviting potential future students to explore its state-of-the-art facilities.
READ MORE
Scottish community pubs to collect advent calendars for communities in need
17 Scottish community pubs are asking their customers to donate advent calendars this year so everyone gets a treat in the lead up to Christmas.
READ MORE
One week until Paisley Halloween Festival returns
Paisley Halloween Festival which comes back to town next week with some exciting event changes to celebrate its 10-year anniversary... here's everything you need to know!
READ MORE
SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled
The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links