2014 is a year of great importance for Scotland, years and generations from now we will look back and ponder the decisions made — it is therefore vital that the choices we make are well informed, and the best looking forward.
With the gravity of the situation in mind, we should ask ourselves carefully… who deserves to win this year’s Scottish Album of the Year Award?
In all seriousness, the issue of Independence does render 2014 a pivotal year for our proud nation; and coupled with the eyes of the world fixed in our direction for the 20th Commonwealth Games; it truly is a momentous year.
Among all that however, now in its third year, the Scottish Album of the Year Award continues to fly the flag for the impressive and diverse musical output of Scotland — regardless of political turmoil and large sporting events.
The award itself is comprised of three stages: a longlist of twenty albums is voted for by 100 suitably professional and knowledgeable outlets (of which Rave Child proudly calls itself a member); this is then halved to a ten strong shortlist; before an overall winner is selected and announced at an appropriately glitzy function.
The previous winners of winners of the now coveted award are Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert for 2011’s Everything’s Getting Older and 2012’s Thirteen Lost & Found respectively.
The current incarnation of the event, is for albums released during 2013 and is currently in the shortlist stage, including albums from: Scottish hip-hop pioneers Hector Bizerk, previous winner RM Hubbert, public vote winner and chart-toppers Biffy Clyro and synth-pop maestros CHVRCHES.
The premise of this piece is not to regale you with the ins and out and probabilities associated with the award, but to exploit its significance, and that of this year importance to Scotland in order to extract some engaging reading.
Hence, some questions were sent to the nominees on Independence, the award, and general Scottish-ness to gauge what the mindset is among high calibre Scottish musicians in the present day.
Firstly, in terms of the significance of “being Scottish”, the stories and experiences are varied – ranging from political feelings to primary school memories, Camera Obscura bassist Gavin Dunbar praises the country’s cultural movements and the band’s pride in being Scottish.
When asked about a favourite trait of the Scottish he indicates the warm reception from others as a highlight; as well as being in possession of such a widely adored accent, even people are generally “completely unable to understand a word you say”.
In contrast, Adam Stafford cites the Scots’ “self-deprecating, dry and dark sense of humour” as his preferred trait – something that has helped spawn many world-renowned comedians, regardless of the infamy of the more brash stand-ups.
Turning the focus to September’s referendum, the general consensus is pro-independence, with a position that an Independent Scotland is an ideal to aspire to for future generations.
While most have their doubts surrounding the usual points of contention including the SNP and Alex Salmond, the currency issue, and the Monarchy – it seems to be a solid “Yes” from the responses received, the strongest of these coming from the already vocal independence supporter RM Hubbert.
He argues the issue is a matter of self-determination, and that as a country we have power to make history come September 18.
Steering back towards the music side of things, away from all that tedious politics, it seems there is no one favourite to win, or one that receives a resounding thumbs up – although CHVRCHES’ debut The Bones Of What You Believe seems to garner a lot of love and respect, as it did upon release; RM Hubbert also states that this uncertainty is his favourite thing about the award.
On the award itself, all agree on its importance within the Scottish music scene and applaud how it has established itself as a prestige accolade in three short years.
It is also praised for amplifying the distribution and recognition of worthy Scottish albums not only at an international level, but more vitally at a national level – showing the Scottish people what’s under their noses if you will.
Leading on from this, there’s also a unanimous agreement on the positive effect the SAY Award has had, and on the ethos under which it was founded and run – simply rewarding artistic merit.
There’s a sort of pride in seeing the music that people know and love, which possesses quality to outweigh expectation, especially from such a small nation, to get its deserved praise and recognition.
In short, the award is viewed as an asset to an already thriving music scene that it has served as a catalyst for, and regardless of the outcome it is sure to continue celebrating the musical output of Scotland, an entity that’s quality is impervious to politics.
Looking forward, from the first half of 2014, tips for next year’s winner include The Phantom Band, PAWS and Withered Hand – but more on that following the conclusion of this year’s “bumper crop”.
The winning artist will be announced at the awards ceremony on June 19 at Glasgow’s famous Barrowland Ballroom, it’ll be an inspiring night.
Words: Kyle McCormick
