Scots Trad Music Awards 2018 longlist is revealed

Nominations for MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2018 are now open.

The much-anticipated event celebrates excellence in traditional music. Honouring artists, instrumentalists, composers and singer-songwriters plus phenomenal performances from some of the biggest names in traditional music, the ceremony recognises outstanding musical talent from all over Scotland.

The public have until Sunday, 14 October, to nominate in each of the 18 categories with the prestigious prizes encompassing all aspects of traditional music including Composer of the Year Award sponsored by PRS for Music, the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music which is equalled in cash only by the Mercury Music Prize and was last year awarded to neo-trad quintet, Elephant Sessions.

The award of £25,000 is accompanied by a craft beer brewed in the winner’s name. The winners will be unveiled in front of an audience of music fans and industry at Perth Concert Hall on 1st December 2018.

Organising body, Hands Up for Trad was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of Scottish Traditional Music through information, education and advocacy.

Hands Up for Trad’s creative director Simon Thoumire said: ‘It is very exciting to begin the 2018 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. It’s been another exciting year with lots of fabulous albums released and gigs played. Thanks again to all our sponsors and partners for making the Scots Trad Music Awards possible.’

Communications manager for MG ALBA, Murdo MacSween, said: ‘The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are a stand-out event in the Scottish music calendar and we’re proud to work with Hands up for Trad to showcase world class talent and the height of creativity.’

Stuart Fleming, PRS for Music senior manager, Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: ‘I am delighted that PRS for Music is once again supporting the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, celebrating the fantastic traditional music of Scotland’s rich and exciting culture. These awards recognise talent from all over Scotland, and the traditional scene is only continuing to grow.’

Broadcast live on BBC ALBA, the evening provides entertainment from key figures dominating Scotland’s rapidly growing cotstraditional music scene. The line-up includes Croft No Five, Mànran, Karine Polwart Trio, Hannah Rarity, Eabhal, Catriona Watt, Gordon Duncan Experience and Gerda Stevenson.

Hand Up for Trad are also delighted to announce the longlist for Trad Album of the Year, sponsored by Birnam CD.

The award shines a light on the traditional recording industry and showcases the vast number of albums released each year in the trad and folk music genre.

The longlist of 25 albums, decided by an industry panel is included below:

Air Fàir an Là by Niteworks; alterum by Julie Fowlis; Bare Knuckle by Chris Stout and Catriona McKay; Ellipsis by Fourth Moon; EVO by SKERRYVORE; Glasgow by Findlay Napier; In Praise of Home by Rura; Inyal by Inyal; Notes from the boat by Mike Vass; Pipes by John Mulhearn; Punch by The Poozies; Sanctuary by Ross Ainslie; Sandwood by Duncan Chisholm; SOLO by Sarah-Jane Summers; Some Other Land by Adam Sutherland; Sròmos by James Duncan Mackenzie; Symbiosis II by Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton; Tales From The North by Calum Stewart; The Key by Blazin’ Fiddes; The Morning Tempest by Josie Duncan & Pablo Lafuente; The Pipe Slang by Jamie MacDonald & Christian Gamauf; The Railway by Hamish Napier; The Rough Bounds by Daimh; The Seer by Lauren MacColl; and Undersong by Salt House.

The longlist will now be whittled down to a shortlist of 10 albums which is decided by 50% industry panel and 50% public.

You can nominate your favourite acts or organisations via http://www.scotstradmusicawards.com.

If you wish to attend the final ceremony, tickets are available to buy via https://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-35002, for the box office call 01738 621031 or email box@horsecross.co.uk.