FAQ

What is SAMA?

The SAMAs (Scottish Alternative Music Awards) promote, celebrate, and champion Scottish music through hosting events.

The SAMAs are an annual award ceremony (December), and host other events including Paisley Takeover, stages at Liverpool Sound City, Sonica, & more including PITCH Scotland and international PITCH showcases across UK, Europe, USA and Canada.

Previous SAMA winners include Hannah Laing, Kintra, TAAHLIAH, Bemz, Callum Easter, The Ninth Wave, Lewis Capaldi, Declan & The Decadent West, Megan Airlie, Gerry Cinnamon and more.

The 7 awards are

Best Acoustic
Best Metal
Best Hip Hop
Best Live Act
Best Newcomer
Best Electronic
Best Rock/Alternative

Connect with us on social media @officialsama

How do the SAMA’s work?

Process: There are a total of 7 music awards. Each award has a group of 3 specialist nominators who will follow agreed criteria to draw up a shortlist of 4 nominees. This will be followed by a short 3 day public vote in November and the final winners' announcement at the live awards ceremony in Glasgow.

All artists will be part of a national PR campaign ran by Noise Unit PR and involved in post event development sessions held on zoom/in person by SAMA and partners; Creative Scotland, Help Musicians, Musician’s Union and more.

Essential:

Must have released at least 3+ tracks in the last 12 months (from September 2022), these can exist on DSP’s Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Amazon Music etc.
Must have social media presence - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Must be 16 or older.
For Best Live Act - artists must have played shows outwith their home city/region and must also performed at at least one music festival in the last 12 months.

Desirable:

Exciting artistry and excellent song writing ability.
Presence in the live music sector (online performances during COVID-19 can be taken into account to build a strong case), upcoming event bookings also show commitment.
Evidence of artist development. IE: Music video on Youtube.
Proof of audience engagement & evidence of listeners and viewers on social media.
Proof of media interest - radio, print, digital, tv. IE: BBC Introducing
Work with management or booking agency - not essential but can strengthen a case of artist development.
Shown interest in collaboration with other artists in other genres or artforms.

2023 Nominators

Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by Saint Luke’s

Nadine Walker - Tenement TV/Tenement Trail

Susan Hansen - CLASH

Kitt Carr - Wide Days

Best Metal sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow

Jonathan Almond - Triple G

Craig Law - Hamilton Hunter Promotions

Duncan Mountain - Red Crust Promotions

Best Live Act sponsored by Musicians’ Union

Liam Shortall - GLITCH41

Chris Astrojazz - Kelburn Garden Party

Kayleigh Robin - Resonate Music Conference

Best Electronic

Cammy Gallacher - The Skinny

Sophie Reilly - BBC Introducing

Fiona Haggerty - Cryptic Glasgow

Best Acoustic

Alistair Braidwood - Scots Whae Hay!

Carla Marina Almeida - Sofar Sounds

Andy Reilly - Snack Mag

Best Newcomer sponsored by Snack Mag

Vasilis Mitrakas - Hidden Door Festival

Meg Denholm - DF Concerts

Selina McLean - Crowded Flat

Best Hip Hop sponsored by Help Musicians

Arusa Qureshi - AMPLIFI | Sumerhall

Nick Cronin - HOURS Aberdeen

Mobo Agoro - Up2Standrd | Pitch Scotland

I am an artist, how can I apply to play or submit my music for an award / consideration?

SAMA do not accept nominations by artists / management. However you can submit music for the monthly Music Roundup or simply to say hello. Please keep the email clear and concise about who you are, where you’re from, future plans, and links to your music. You can get in touch directly by emailing events@officialsama.com

What opportunities for artists are there through SAMA’s?

The SAMA’s offer a range of opportunities from live performances (SAMA Award Ceremony, PITCH, Paisley Takeover Festival, Sonica Festival Showcase, Liverpool Sound City Showcase & other private events), plus nominations in the annual awards, and features on the monthly music roundup blog. The best way to keep up to date with music opportunities is by follow our social media channels @officialsama

When did the awards begin?

The awards began back in 2009, the first event took place in the Classic Grand in Glasgow with performances from Bronto Skylift, The Lafontaines, and Make Sparks.