The five finalists for The Sound of Young Scotland Award have been announced by the Scottish Music Industry Association.
The award, which aims to stimulate and support the future of Scottish music, offers a funding package worth up to £10,000 to a young and emerging Scottish artist to assist them in creating their debut album.
2024’s finalists are: Alice Faye, Dillon Barrie, Goliath, Pippa Blundell and Spyres.
The announcement came in tandem with the announcement of the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, with the winner of the title along with the £20,000 first prize to be announced at the same ceremony, taking place at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24 October.”
The act announced as THe Sound of Young Scotland will win a funding package worth up to £10,000 which includes: cash grants for studio/production costs, in-kind use of The Tolbooth in Stirling (inc. the studio, venue space for filming etc.), a performance slot at 2025’s SAY Award Ceremony, 250 vinyl pressings of their debut album from Seabass Vinyl and much more. Supported by Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music, the judging panel will choose from five finalists: Alice Faye, Dillon Barrie, Goliath, Pippa Blundell and Spyres.
Morag Macdonald, Youth Music Initiative Manager at Creative Scotland said: “The Sound of Young Scotland Award is a vital platform for emerging talent, offering not only financial support but also the tools and opportunities young artists need to take their first steps towards making their mark on the Scottish music scene. This award shines a spotlight on the incredible creativity and potential of the next generation. We’re delighted to offer this award with funding through the Youth Music Initiative and look forward to witnessing the evolution of these young artists.”
And the final five acts said:
Alice Faye: “I am genuinely buzzing and overwhelmed to be included in the final 5 for the Sound of Young Scotland Award! Truly, without seeming like an over-the-top madame, this has been such a dream for me. I’ve always looked up to and admired the SAY Awards, so to actually be included in it or even just thought of as someone who could represent the Sound of Young Scotland is a total honour :)”
Dillon Barrie: “I’m very honoured and excited to be one of the 5 finalists for the Sound of Young Scotland Award. I cant wait to have the opportunity to display my work to a bigger audience and wish the other finalists the best.”
Goliath: “I’m so chuffed to have been chosen as a finalist. Totally hit me out of left field and made my day when I received word.”
Pippa Blundell: “I am both buzzing and shocked that I have been chosen as a finalist for the Sound of Young Scotland! Being a young emerging artist in today’s industry can feel daunting at times and sometimes really hard to keep going but with recognition from amazing organisations like this it helps to feel like you’re going in the right direction. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Spyres: “It’s an honour to be selected as one of the finalists for the Sound of Young Scotland Award. What began as an acoustic duo for fun during our teenage years has grown into something more meaningful than we ever could have imagined and to be recognised for this hard work means the world to us. As a female-fronted and fiercely Scottish band, we hope we can help inspire other young Scots to get creative and pursue their dreams in music.”
SAY Award Ceremony tickets are on sale now via www.sayaward.com at £18 + booking fee.
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