2023 – Additional Info and Key Dates

As well as the main album of the year prize, 2023 will also see the return of two supporting awards, the Modern Scottish Classic Award and the Sound of Young Scotland Award.

Modern Scottish Classic Award

Recognising an outstanding album from Scotland’s past which still inspires today.

  • Winner announced in conjunction with The SAY Award Shortlist and the Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists.
  • Winning album celebrated at The SAY Award 2023 Ceremony.
  • Winner receives a bespoke art prize, created through The SAY Award Design Commission.

The Sound of Young Scotland Award

The Sound of Young Scotland Award – in association with Help Musicians, Youth Music Initiative and Youth Music – exists to drive Scottish music of the future; enabling a young and emerging artist to create their debut album.

  • Winner chosen by a panel of previous SAY Award nominees.
  • Winner announced at The SAY Award Ceremony.
  • Winner given a performance slot to showcase at The SAY Award Ceremony 2024.
  • Winner receives a funding package worth up to £8,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album.

Applications for the Sound of Young Scotland Award 2023 open on Monday 24 July. More information (including eligibility criteria, selection process and application specifics) will be published in due course.

Key Dates

FRIDAY 30 JUNE – FRIDAY 21 JULY 2023
The SAY Award eligible albums submission period | Artists, industry professionals and music fans can submit eligible albums – for free – via sayaward.com

MONDAY 24 JULY – MONDAY 14 AUGUST 2023
The Sound of Young Scotland Award submission period | Young and emerging Scottish artists can apply to be considered for the Sound of Young Scotland Award 2023; offering a funding package worth up to £8,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album

THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2023
The SAY Award Longlist Announcement | 20 outstanding Scottish albums will be announced as The SAY Award Longlist for 2023

MONDAY 2 OCTOBER – WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER 2023
The SAY Award Public Vote | 72-hour public vote at sayaward.com, securing one Longlisted album’s place in the Shortlist along with a guaranteed minimum prize of £1,000.

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023
The SAY Award Shortlist Announcement / The Sound of Young Scotland Award Finalists Announcement / Modern Scottish Classic Award Winner Announcement | 10 SAY Award Shortlisted albums, 5 Sound of Young Scotland Award Finalists and the winner of 2023’s Modern Scottish Classic Award are revealed three weeks ahead of The SAY Award Ceremony.

THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2023
The SAY Award Ceremony 2023 @ The Albert Halls, Stirling | Winner announcements, live performances and more.