About

Celebrating music genres and artists from across Scotland.

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) recognises the best new Scottish music, shining a spotlight across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.

Throughout the year, the SAMA’s also host regular events including music industry showcases at Sound City (UK), Pro Weekend Fest (Spain) and their own three-day conference PITCH Scotland, plus PITCH International showcases and songwriting camps.

The 7 SAMA’s 2025 award winners are:

Best Live Act: Waverley.

Best Metal: Sixth Wonder

Best Acoustic: Miwa Nagato-Apthorp

Best Newcomer: Mercy Girl

Best Rock/Alternative: Martha May & The Mondays

Best Electronic: Proc Fiskal

Best Hip Hop: Loki (Darren McGarvey)

The awards were established in 2009 by Richy Muirhead whilst studying at university. Now in it's fourteenth year, the SAMAs have supported a range of award winning artists including Brogeal, VLURE, Hannah Laing, Kintra, Bemz, Taahliah, Steg G, Zoe Graham, The Snuts, Gerry Cinnamon, Be Charlotte, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, Fatherson and Lewis Capaldi.

SAMA are proudly part of global network and movement Keychange working towards gender equality within the music industry.

SAMA Events Ltd are ran by a small team of creatives based in Scotland who have a great passion for music, events and collaboration.