THERE is nothing quite like a single launch to propel an emerging talent to their next level.

With Spotify and radio considerations in mind, it has never been more important to get the message out in as emphatic a fashion as possible.

For 2021, the Single of the Year Award received – by some margin – the most entries and provided some of the toughest competition.

And for the eventual winner is an invitation to have a brand-new track recorded and mastered for free with Forth Valley College.

Barry Frame, sound production lecturer at FVC, said: “It has just been so incredible to see everything that Scottish bands and Scottish artists have been able to produce in lockdown — so much has been thrown at them and yet they continue to deliver.

“It’s hard not to be blown away with the sheer talent we have to offer, and I am delighted to be able to offer a helping hand in getting more new music out there.”

 

The Weekender’s Single of the Year of the Year shortlist

 

Brooke Combe – Are You With Me?

Forgetting the Future – Lepricon

Dovv – Summer

Spyres – I Don’t Care

Jamie Button – Strange Saints

Connor Fyfe – Pray

swim school - outside

Arcade State – When it Hits Home

St Clements – Carwash Disco

The Dunts – Individuation

The Rahs – Our Design

Stephanie Cheape – Queen

Uninvited – Tomboy

Retro Video Club – Cloud Nine

Mark Sharp and the Bicycle Thieves – Today. Tomorrow. Forever.

Lavender Lane – Blame