The SAY Award has whittled down its longlist to ten stellar entries. In the running for the title and the £20,000 prize are AiiTee, Constant Follower, Fergus McCreadie, Hamish Hawk, Hen Hoose, Kathryn Joseph, Kobi Onyame, Niteworks, Proc Fiskal and Walt Disco. 

The longlist was initially comprised of 369 entries, more than any other year since the award’s inception in 2012. Alongside the main award is the Sound Of Young Scotland Finalists and its Modern Scottish Classic Award Winner, which will be announced on the evening of the SAY Award ceremony on Thursday 20 October. 

Robert Kilpatrick, Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA)/The SAY Award, said: 'The SAY Award Shortlist recognises ten of the best Scottish records of the last year, firmly showcasing the strength and diversity of Scotland’s recorded output in 2022. In just two weeks' time, we’ll be celebrating and championing each of these records at Stirling’s Albert Halls, with one set to take the coveted title of Scottish Album Of The Year along with the £20,000 first prize. Massive congratulations and best of luck to all shortlisted artists. 

‘Today’s announcement also shines a spotlight on Scottish music’s exciting future as well as its inspiring past. Five young and emerging artists have been selected by a panel of former SAY nominees as finalists for the Sound Of Young Scotland Award, with one set to receive a funding package worth up to £5000 to help create their debut record. I’m also beyond delighted to see one of the most iconic (and one of my personal favourite) Scottish albums of all time (Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins) announced as the winner of 2022’s Modern Scottish Classic Award, chosen by this year’s SAY Award nominees and set to be honoured at the ceremony.

‘Past, present and future Scottish music is something to be cherished, celebrated and excited about. The SAY Award offers an important focal point for us to reflect on what our musical output says about who we are as a nation, and I look forward to recognising Scotland’s ever-evolving cultural identity and the work of some of our most exciting artists at the Ceremony later this month.’

The SAY Awards 2022 shortlist in full: 

AiiTee – Better Days

Constant Follower  – Neither Is, Nor Ever Was

Fergus McCreadie – Forest Floor

Hamish Hawk – Heavy Elevator

Hen Hoose – Equaliser

Kathryn Joseph – for you who are the wronged

Kobi Onyame – Don’t Drink The Poison

Niteworks – A’Ghrian

Proc Fiskal – Siren Spine Sysex

Walt Disco – Unlearning

The SAY Award ceremony will take place on Thursday 20 October.