THE deadline to submit work for the Scottish Album of the Year Award is just over 24 hours away.

Scottish artists have until midnight on Thursday, July 22, to ensure their work is considered for the honour, and its £20,000 prize.

Albums released between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 can be submitted, meaning that all eligible works – including the eventual winner – will have been released during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Submissions so far include Amy Macdonald, Biffy Clyro, Joesef, The Snuts, Mogwai, Texas, Teenage Fanclub, The Fratellis, Erland Cooper and many more.

The SAY Award celebrates its 10th year in 2021, having distributed over £250,000 in prize money to Scottish musicians and championing 180 Longlisted albums since its inauguration back in 2012. 

Robert Kilpatrick, creative projects and communications director at Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “When we launched last year’s SAY Award, three months into the pandemic, we were only just beginning to understand the devastating and enduring impact it would have on our artists and wider music industry.

"Amidst challenges once unimaginable, we worked to keep music at the forefront of the national conversation; affirming its life-changing value, and demonstrating the urgent need for support for all who contribute to its place in our lives.

"Twelve months on, many challenges remain, and our artists and wider music industry continue to have to tread water and navigate mass uncertainty. The resilience our industry's shown has been nothing short of inspiring, and the coming together of artists and industry professionals alike has been instrumental in mitigating the worst of the impact.

"As we begin to emerge from what is hopefully the worst of Covid-19’s effects, this year’s SAY Award is a particularly special and important one. All eligible albums will have been released throughout the pandemic, which is no mean feat for artists and their teams operating in an ever-changing and turbulent landscape. These records have been released when our society has needed them most, and due to this, The SAY Award 2021 will truly showcase and celebrate the passion, power and value of artistic endeavour.

"It’s also year 10 of SAY, a special milestone for both the award and Scotland’s music scene, and we’re delighted to be introducing some exciting new elements – including two accompanying awards – to mark the occasion. We look forward to celebrating the cultural impact and contribution of Scottish albums across the next four months, before returning to a physical ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall; a night our music industry will undoubtedly remember for many years to come.”

Nova, winner of the prize last year, added: “Winning The SAY Award 2020 during the pandemic has been a total rollercoaster. I’ve seen so many Scottish artists grow over the last year, just like I have, so the winner this year is bound to be fantastic. Who knows? Maybe we’ll end up doing a track together.”

Albums can be submitted by visiting www.sayaward.com 

To view the eligibility criteria, visit www.sayaward.com/submit