Qulture Magazine

Words: Madi Briggs

I recently had the delight of going along to the 16th edition of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) and it was everything and more that I could have wished for.
Hosting the event was the ever-delightful BBC Introducing host and singer Stephanie Cheape and I don’t think there was anyone better suited to the role. Bringing the charm, she knew how to get the crowd going and you could tell how passionate she is about championing unheard voices which is always lovely to see.

Opening up the show was the fantastic Lo Rays. With their unique take on metal and their mesmerizing performance, they knew how to start the night! Taking to the stage, was most of the band (consisting of Ryan Jones on bass, Murray Bartle on drums and Scott Bathgate on guitar duties) joined by two very impressive dancers dressed in all black complete with gas masks – I’ll admit that my attention was piqued. Finally joining them was lead singer/founder Laura Takala and her vocal range absolutely blew me away as she sang both on stage and even on a pillar in the crowd.

Then, we move onto the first award of the evening presented by Drygate’s Matt Corden and while there were some absolutely phenomenal nominees for ‘Best Metal’, the very deserving Sixth Wonder took home the award to rapturous applause from the audience. It was plain to see how much this award meant to them (as it did for every winner) as they bewilderingly accepted it. Announcing their upcoming shows, you can keep an eye on them here. Taking home the awards for ‘Best Acoustic’ and ‘Best Hip-Hop’ was the wonderful Miwa Nagato- Apthorp and Loki (aka Darren McGarvey) respectively. Breaking up the evening were two extraordinary acts, sibling duo Comfort and this year’s winner of the SAY award, Kai Reesu. Both absolutely owned the venue in their own ways.

Natalie McGhee sang her out heart much to everyone’s delight from the stage, the crowd and even the upper level. It’s downright impossible not to mention Sean McGhee here as well. His drumming was impressive; it was clear to see how much passion and love has gone into his craft. Kai took a slightly different approach, but his energy was the same. Performing alongside the full band (Paul Copeland on keys, Harry Weir the ever-amazing saxophonist, Robert McArthur taking over on guitar and bass, and Matt Sim on drums), they’re a refreshing take on the jazz/hip-hop genre who are certainly going to go far in the future.

Coming out on top for ‘Best Newcomer’ was Mercy Girl who deservedly took home that title presented by 2/3rds of the indie record label Blackhall Records. Straight to the point was Proc Fiskal and his acceptance for the ‘Best Electronic’, being on stage for what must have been under two minutes, I have to respect his approach, it certainly drew me in and left me Googling more about him on the train home…

It’s always amazing getting to witness people do what they love and be celebrated for it, and this is exactly what this night was. Highlighting how much talent is still thriving even though, it’s an uncertain time to be a creative, I really couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my time.
Beating fierce competition including from acts such as Doss, Pippa Blundell and Azamiah, waverley. took home the crown for the ‘Best Live Act’, and having seen their performances a few times, it’s clear to see why. Meanwhile, Martha May & The Mondays were champions of the ‘Best Rock/Alternative’ category who accepted their trophy to whoops and cheers.

Every nominee and winner was so worthy of being chosen and times like these remind all of us about the importance of giving the often unheard a chance to speak as they carry our music scene. It was a night filled with good tunes, laughter and community which is needed now more than ever.

You can listen to all the nominees and winners over on the official SAMA playlist below!