Few Scots can say they’ve had a busier year than Jacob Alon. Having only released a first single in September 2024, their acclaimed debut album, In Limerence, has catapulted the Fifer into a life of TV appearances, award nods and rave reviews. ‘It’s been really wonderful getting to do the thing I’ve always wanted to do,’ reflects Alon, who admits they’ve grappled with burnout and feelings of imposter syndrome during their first year of fame. ‘I really believe in this music, so I’m really proud that it’s had any impact at all,’ they add, humbly.

Alon joins me over the phone as they make the journey home from the Scottish Album Of The Year Award ceremony that took place the previous evening. It’s the first time Alon has returned to Dundee since their short-lived university career, a period described by the singer-songwriter as ‘dark days’. Although they didn’t scoop the grand prize on this occasion, Alon will learn that they are the BBC Introducing Artist Of The Year just days after our chat. It’s impossible not to smile as Alon bellows out a triumphant ‘yassss!’ when they first hear the surprise news live on air.

Between FaceTime calls from Elton John, a Mercury Prize nomination and a spot on the BBC Radio 6 Music Artist Of The Year list, you would imagine it would be hard to pick a single standout moment from 2025. But does Alon have one? ‘Oh, my god, yes!’ they roar. ‘I gave Lewis Capaldi a bottle of Bucky!’ Alon laughs with a delighted grin. ‘I saw him at the Brit Awards with a bottle of tonic on the table, and it just made me so happy… so when we were at the Mercury, we snuck in a few bottles of Buckfast in the guitar cases. I just found the whole thing so surreal and beautiful and whimsical.’

Alon would be forgiven for pining after an extended break following a hectic 2025, though they are quick to stress that the future excites them more than anything. ‘I just want to knuckle down and start writing music and writing songs again. I think that’s something I want to try and do without any expectations.’ Having just finished a run of support slots on a ‘life-changing’ tour with Kae Tempest, Alon will cap off the year with a small run of intimate and very sold-out headline shows. As for album two? ‘I want the next record to be something very different to what I’ve started with, but also to find my voice more. I believe I’m finding it more and more each day.’ 

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