TWENTY outstanding Scottish albums were announced live at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall, all setting their eyes on the £20k prize and grabbing the title of Scottish Album of the Year.

Speaking of the announcement, SMIA General Manager, Robert Kilpatrick said “Each year, the announcement of The SAY Award Longlist allows us to take a step back and feel proud of our cultural identity as a nation. It gives us a chance to both shout about and reflect on who we are, as well as celebrate the passion, creativity and vibrancy of Scottish music; in all its incredible diversity and glory.

With the Longlist having been selected from the votes of 100 impartial music industry Nominators, it truly is the product of an extraordinary nationwide consultation and showcases 20 incredible Scottish records to the world that are both important and valued artistic works. A huge congratulations to each of this year’s Longlisted artists on fantastic album releases.”

Check out the full list below.

Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert – Here Lies The Body

  1. Aidan O’Rourke – 365: Vol. 1
  2. Andrew Wasylyk – The Paralian
  3. Auntie Flo – Radio Highlife
  4. Brìghde Chaimbeul – The Reeling
  5. C Duncan – Health
  6. Carla J. Easton – Impossible Stuff
  7. CHVRCHES – Love Is Dead
  8. Edwyn Collins – Badbea
  9. Fatherson – Sum Of All Your Parts
  10. Fergus McCreadie Trio – Turas
  11. Free Love – Luxury Hits
  12. Graham Costello’s Strata– Obelisk
  13. Karine Polwart with Steven Polwart and Inge Thomson– Laws of Motion
  14. Kathryn Joseph – From When I Wake The Want Is
  15. Kinnaris Quintet – Free One
  16. Mastersystem – Dance Music
  17. Niteworks – Air Fàir an Là
  18. Sean Shibe – softLOUD
  19. The Twilight Sad – It Won/t Be Like This All The Time

Arab Strap icon Aidan Moffat teamed up with his Chemikal Underground label mate RM Hubbert to produce their stunning record, ‘Here Lies the Body’, an explosive and exposing album that caught the eyes of the ears of the Scottish audience. Speaking of their nomination, Aidan said ““We’re very happy to find ourselves on this year’s SAY Longlist – in just a few years it’s become an essential celebration of Scotland’s huge and diverse musical output, and we’re looking forward to discovering a few new names too.”

Dark Scottish indie favourites The Twilight Sad further strengthened their impressive discography, expanding on their previous body of work with their fifth studio album ‘IT WON/T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME’. “Every year Scotland produces some of my favourite records, for such a small nation we consistently produce exciting and important music. For our new record to be included in the Longlist for The SAY Award with so many other amazing Scottish artists is something we’re incredibly proud of. The album as an art form is very important to us; it’s a snapshot of who we are at a certain point of our lives, a documentation of who we are. For it to be celebrated is an amazing thing. Celebrating music and helping music reach new people is important for both listeners and artists. Thank you to The SAY Award for helping spread the word about all the brilliant music our country produces and thank you for including us.”

One of Scotland’s finest musical exports of the last decade, CHVRCHES, see their electronic, cinematic pop sound launch them onto the longlist with ‘Love is Dead’. The Glasgow based trio have enhoyed critical acclaim and mass admiration throughout Europe, Asia and America, winning over fans with their ever-evolving sound. Also hailing from Glasgow, Carla J. Easton’s indie-pop release ‘Impossible Stuff’ has won over fans, blending hip-hop style drums with soft synths and clever songwritng. Speaking of her nomination, she said ““The last year has seen some outstanding releases from Scotland with huge international reach. I’m astonished my little ‘Impossible Stuff’ has been Longlisted for The SAY Award and continue to be blown away by the response. I’m very thankful to be included within Scotland’s incredible music community.”

Now in its eighth year, The SAY Award celebrates the most outstanding Scottish albums each year, regardless of sales, genre or label affiliation. The newly announced Longlist,which recognises artistic achievement across a wide range of genres, will be whittled down to a Shortlist of 10 albums next month, one of which will be chosen by music fans via a 72-hour online public vote from 12th August and the others decided by The SAY Award judging panel. The winning artist will pick up a £20,000 cash prize, provided by award partner Creative Scotland, with the 9 runners up each being awarded £1,000. Earlier this week, The SAY Award revealed the nominators and judges lists feature a 50:50 gender split.

Find out more about the SAY Award here.