What is SAMA?

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) is a leading platform dedicated to celebrating Scotland's diverse and dynamic music scene. Established in 2019 to highlight emerging and innovative talent, SAMA showcases artists across a variety of genres, recognizing the creativity and uniqueness of Scottish music.

SAMA hosts a range of events throughout the year, with its annual music awards ceremony at the forefront. These prestigious awards honor artists in seven distinct categories: Best Acoustic, Best Metal, Best Hip Hop, Best Live Act, Best Newcomer, Best Electronic, and Best Rock/Alternative.

Alongside the awards, SAMA organizes PITCH Scotland, Scotland’s international hip hop conference, the Paisley Takeover two-day music festival, and Scottish showcases at Liverpool Sound City, and Pro Weekend Fest, Spain.

Previous SAMA winners include some of Scotland’s most celebrated artists, such as Taahliah, Callum Easter, Zoe Graham, The Ninth Wave, Lewis Capaldi, Bemz, Gerry Cinnamon, and many more. Through these events, recognitions, and the monthly playlist, SAMA continues to provide a platform for both rising and established talents, championing the alternative sounds that shape Scotland's music landscape.

Who are some of the most known artists to win Scottish Alternative Music Awards?

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) have recognized a diverse range of artists from Scotland's thriving music scene over the years. Some of the most well-known and celebrated artists to win include:

Lewis Capaldi – Before his international breakout, Capaldi was recognized early in his career at the SAMAs. He has since gone on to achieve massive commercial success.
The Snuts – This indie rock band has become one of Scotland's most popular acts in recent years. They won the Best Live Act category in 2017, and their debut album later topped the UK charts.
Fatherson – Known for their emotive alternative rock, Fatherson won the Best Live Act award in 2015 and have continued to grow their fanbase with several well-received albums and live performances.
Stanley Odd – One of Scotland’s most distinctive hip-hop groups, Stanley Odd has been recognized at the SAMAs for their unique blend of socially conscious lyrics and eclectic production.
CHVRCHES – While not winning directly, they were among the emerging acts recognized during the early days of the SAMAs, gaining attention before their global rise in the synth-pop scene.
Be Charlotte – Winning Best Electronic in 2016, Be Charlotte (now just "Charlotte") has since built a career blending electronic pop with thoughtful, empowering lyrics, becoming a name to watch on the global stage.
Young Fathers – Though more recognized for their Mercury Prize win, Young Fathers, a genre-blending band mixing hip-hop, soul, and electronic elements, were acknowledged in early SAMAs editions as an exciting emerging act.
Bemz - Scottish rapper, has made a strong impact in the hip-hop scene, known for his powerful lyricism and distinctive voice.
Hannah Laing - is known for her rise in the electronic and DJ scene, becoming more prominent with her work as a producer and her club performances.
VLURE won a Scottish Alternative Music Award (SAMA). In 2023, they were awarded Best Live Act, thanks to their powerful and energetic performances. VLURE is known for blending post-punk with electronic elements, creating an intense live experience that has earned them a loyal following across Scotland and beyond.

These artists represent the diverse range of talent that the SAMAs highlight, from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic and alternative music.

How do the SAMA’s work?

Process:

The group of nominators will work as a team to identify a shortlist of 4 artists they feel represent the award, with 1 backup artist. The nominator group will meet with SAMA representatives to confirm the choices and ensure they fit the criteria.

Essential Criteria:

Track Releases: Artists must have released at least 3 tracks in the past 12 months. These tracks should be available on major digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Amazon Music, etc.
Artistic Excellence: Demonstration of exciting creativity, innovation in artistry, and strong songwriting ability.
Social Media Presence: Artists must maintain an active presence on key social media platforms, including TikTok, Twitter (X), and Instagram.
Age Requirement: Artists MUST BE 16 years of age or older.
Location: Artists must be based in Scotland.
Specific SAMA notes:

Newcomer Award - Artist must have been active for at least 6 months in their career, this is a multi-genre award and should celebrate artists at an exciting moment in their current career.
Live Act Award - Artists must be active in the live music scene, and the nominees will evidence multiple performances, including tours, festival bookings, and headline performances.
Hip Hop/Acoustic/Electronic/Metal/Rock & Alternative - the award can explore genres influenced by category but may also dive into new soundscapes.

Desirable Criteria:

Live Music Presence: Artists should be active in the live music scene. Evidence of performances, including live streaming events during COVID-19, upcoming tour dates, or event bookings, will strengthen the nomination.
Artist Development: Indicators of growth and progression, such as releasing a professional music video (YouTube or similar platform), show a commitment to advancing their career.
Audience Engagement: Proof of meaningful engagement with fans.
Media Exposure: Evidence of interest or support from media outlets, including radio (BBC Introducing) and digital media, showcasing the artist's recognition in the industry.
Collaboration: Demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with other artists across genres or creative fields can highlight an artist's versatility and openness to artistic innovation.

Other things to consider:

Cultural Representation: Artists who reflect or promote cultural diversity in their music, lyrics, or performances, representing underrepresented groups, genres, or languages, can contribute to a more inclusive industry landscape.
International Reach: Artists who have demonstrated appeal beyond their home country, such as international releases, collaborations, or shows, can strengthen their case. Evidence of global streams, media coverage, or participation in international festivals would be valuable.
Innovation in Music Production: Recognition of artists who show a commitment to innovative music production techniques, either through self-production, experimentation with new sounds or genres, or use of cutting-edge technology (e.g., AI, immersive audio).
Community Engagement: Artists who are involved in community-building activities, such as charity work, educational projects, or collaborations with local cultural organisations, can showcase a wider impact beyond just their music.
Industry Support: Working with a management team, booking agency, or label will enhance the artist's case for development and long-term career potential.

Who are the music judges?

in alphabetical order

Best Acoustic sponsored by Musicians Union

Alistair Braidwood - Scots Whae Hae!
Katie Guthrie - Underground Sounds
Michael Ward - La Serria Casa Songwriting Camp

Best Electronic sponsored by Groover

Blair Wallace - Sonica Festival / Cryptic Presents
Cammy Gallacher - The Skinny
Lauren Lee - EE / Terminal V

Best Hip Hop sponsored by PITCH Scotland

Jack Hughes - HOURS Aberdeen
Karin Bezchlebova - PITCH Scotland
Sami Omar - Up2Stndrd

Best Live Act sponsored by St Luke’s & The Winged Ox

David Weaver - Cultural Programme (Stirling Council) / CORE. A celebration of Noise
Kitt Carr - Wide Days / Off The Record
Sanjeev Mann - Hip Hop Scotland

Best Metal sponsored by Drygate Brewing Co

Craig Law - Hamilton Hunter Presents
Duncan Mountain - Red Crust Promotions
Jonathan Almond - Triple G Presents

Best Newcomer sponsored by TuneCore

Grace Sutherland - Outwith Festival
Mobo Agoro - Up2Stndrd / PITCH Scotland
Willow - Psychobuzz

Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by Strip Joint Records

Martin Low - Discovery Music
Megan Denholm - DF Concerts
Nadine Walker - Tenement TV / Tenement Trail

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

For the music roundup submissions please send music links to events@officialsama.com

What development opportunities for artists are there through SAMA?

Scottish based artists are welcome to apply for SAMA showcase performances at:

Liverpool Sound City (UK)

Sonica Festival (UK)

PITCH Scotland (UK)

Pro Weekend Fest (Spain)

Follow @officialsama for the latest information.

Who organises the SAMA’s?

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) are led by Richy Muirhead, an experienced event and project manager with a deep passion for Scotland's alternative music scene. Whilst studying music business in University Richy founded the SAMA in 2009, with the goal of providing a platform to recognize and celebrate the diversity of musical talent across Scotland. Over the years, he has grown the SAMA into a well-respected institution, helping to elevate artists and genres that may not always receive mainstream attention.

In addition to his work with SAMA, Richy has been involved in numerous music and cultural projects, including working for PRS Foundation, Creative Scotland, Red Bull, BBC and speaking at international music events such as Tallinn Music Week (EE), Future Echoes (SE), New Skool Rules (NL), SHIP (Croatia), So Alive Music Conference (BG), Nova Scotia Music Week (CA).

Richy is supported by a talented team of creatives based across Scotland, all of whom share a passion for promoting the country's vibrant and diverse music scene. Together, they ensure that the SAMA continues to highlight the most exciting and boundary-pushing artists, from emerging acts to established names.

When did the awards begin?

The first ever 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 hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood, and DJ Jim Gellatly.