SAMA 2025 - Music Criteria and Industry Nominators
Image: Brògeal winning Best Rock/Alternative at SAMA 2024. Photography by Lucy Cheyne
2025 Scottish Alternative Music Awards
The 7 awards:
Best Newcomer sponsored by Blackhall Records
Best Acoustic sponsored by Musicians’ Union
Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by PRS For Music
Best Live Act sponsored by St Luke’s & The Winged Ox
Best Electronic sponsored by UNESCO Glasgow City Of Music
Best Metal sponsored by Drygate
Best Hip Hop sponsored by Pro Weekend Fest
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.
Previous Winners: 2024 winners are unable to be re-nominated this year, these acts are Brogeal, Psweatpants, Theo Bleak, Dvne, Eugene, Tony Morris, & SLIX.
Specific categories notes:
Newcomer Award - Artist must have been active for at least 10 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 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.
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.
Other things to consider:
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.
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.
Meet the 2025 nominators:
Best Acoustic sponsored by Musicians Union
Alistair Braidwood - Scots Whay Hae!
Michael Ward - La Seirra Casa
Tamara Schlesinger - Hen Hoose
Best Electronic sponsored by UNESCO Glasgow City of Music
Cammy Gallacher - The Skinny
Claire Francis - Electronic Sound
Dill Dowdall - Ponyboy
Best Hip Hop sponsored by Pro Weekend Fest
Delaina Sepko - Beats N Breaks / Sunny G Radio
Nick Cronin - Vagrant Real Estate / HOURS Aberdeen
Sami Omar - Up2stndrd
Best Live Act sponsored by St Luke’s & The Winged Ox
Chris Blackmore - Eden Festival / EmuBands
Mateusz Sobieski - GLITCH41 / Laylow
Stina Tweedale - Music Venues Trust / Artist (Honeyblood)
Best Metal sponsored by Drygate
David Weaver - CORE.
Duncan Mountain - Red Crust Promotions
Jonathan Almond - Triple G Presents
Best Newcomer sponsored by Blackhall Records
Adedeji Ekundayo - RavenAfrikulture / Aberdeen Music Week
Arusa Qureshi - Writer / Curator / Amplifi
Selina McLean - Crowded Flat / GUEST HOUSE
Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by PRS For Music
Kitt Carr - Wide Days / Off The Record
Meg Denholm - DF Concerts
Nadine Walker - Tenement TV
Stay tuned across officialsama.com and @officialsama for all the latest news!
Book your early bird SAMA 2025 Ticket here - Saturday 29 November
St Luke’s, Glasgow featuring Lo Rays, Kai Reesu + more