A steadily growing institution which deservedly shines a light on many of Scotland’s finest bands, the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAS) have aided in providing wider spread recognition for the recipients of their coveted prizes.
Refreshingly nonrestrictive in their approach, the awards feature categories for best newcomers and best live bands but also highlight those who excel in genres such as hip-hop, electronic, acoustic and metal.
Having previously honoured prominent acts such as Hector Bizerk, Fatherson, We Were Promised Jetpacks and many more, the SAMA’s act as a vehicle of musical discovery and look to enable those bands who are willing to take the necessary steps to succeed prosper in today’s thriving marketplace.
In addition to hosting an official ceremony in Glasgow’s The Garage, SAMA’S also ensure that they provide as much coverage as possible for burgeoning acts due to the various sessions that they’ve hosted in the lead up to the event.
Providing more detail on all facets of the organisation as it enters its sixth year in existence, SAMAS founder Richy Muirhead explained the ethos behind their showcases, the process of putting it together and what they hope to contribute to Scotland’s music industry.
“Our showcase events are designed to promote new talent in Scotland over a nice and simple three act line-up. This year has saw stripped back sessions in Glasgow’s CitizenM with the likes of Gerry Cinnamon, Vukovi and The Rising Souls. The process involved in derterming the showcase acts is an interesting blend of previous nominees and current acts who are working hard to move forward in the industry.
“The showcases tend to be Glasgow acts due to the location but we also spend a lot of time researching music and working alongside regional judges to figure out what’s ticking in the Highlands and Aberdeen (as evident by this year’s list of nominees, which features acts such as Spring Break, Dr Wook and Lionel across the various categories.)”
“They’ve now finished for the year and all attention is onto our main event: the 2015 Awards. This time we have acts such as Neon Waltz, Kathryn Joseph and C Duncan all involved.”
Featuring a variety of acts that are set to perform at our Tenement Trail on its lists of nominees and with guest appearances from figures such as Vic Galloway and Robert Florence, the ceremony will take place at Glasgow’s The Garage with sets from Holy Esque, Crash Club and as yet to be revealed outings from past winners.
The categories and their nominees in full are as follows:
Best Rock/Alternative
Monogram
Wecamefromwolves
Catholic Action
Dear John
SchnarffSchnarff
Huxtable
Best Newcomer
Martha Ffion
White Baer
Man Of Moon
Alphas
Bella And The Bear
Lionel
Best Hip-Hop
MOG
Delighted Peoples
DJ Yemster and Hexstacy
The Ill Collective
Bigg Taj & Speesixnine
Spring Break
Best Electronic
BDY PRTS
Sequel
Our Future Glory
Lockah
Crash Club
Clyde Rogue
Best Acoustic
C Duncan
The Jellyman’s Daughter
Stella Reilly
Best Girl Athlete
Sean C Kennedy
Dr Wook
Best Live Act
Errors
Ded Rabbit
Copper Lungs
Kathryn Joseph
Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5
Neon Waltz
Best Metal
Mountains Under Oceans
The Amorettes
Divides
Holy Mountain
Seed Of Sorrow
Blackened Ritual
Voting for all categories is now open and tickets for the event are also in various different packages.
