Town welcomes return of Album of the Year Awards
Paisley’s glittering event will celebrate excellence in music
The Scottish Album of the Year awards is returning to Paisley for the third year.
Organisers are bringing the bash back to the town to celebrate the best work by artists from across the country.
They will hold the ceremony in the town hall after the success of the previous two years – which saw Anna Meridith and Sacred Paws walk away with the prize.
Dougal Perman, chairman of the Scottish Music Industry Association, says missing out on the UK City of Culture title does not mean an end to major events.
He said: “We’re delighted that Paisley will host the seventh Scottish Album of the Year Award.
“Scotland’s national music prize has flourished in Paisley.
“And while we are sad and disappointed that Paisley didn’t win their bid for UK City of Culture 2021, we are excited about the transformative cultural journey the town is on and excited to be a part of it.
“Through our invited guests, public ballot for seats at the ceremony and live broadcasts, we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to join us in celebrating excellence in Scottish music in Paisley.”
Scotland’s best talent is celebrated at the annual prize-giving.
Records from diverse genres are hailed for their impact by a panel of industry experts. Public votes are used to help determine the winner.
Sacred Paws won the award in June for their debut album Strike a Match – chosen from a tenalbum shortlist by a panel of independent judges.
Among those in the running for the gong were Mogwai, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Ella Orleans and Paisley electronic musician Konx-om-Pax.
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson is proud to welcome back one of the biggest nights in the arts calendar.
He said: “Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 put the town on a Scotland-wide stage in terms of hosting events of national importance and that was always going to continue regardless of the result.
“They could have taken this event anywhere, but for them to choose to come back here shows the extent to which Paisley is now recognised as one of Scotland’s centres of cultural excellence.
“The town has a fantastic musical heritage – from Gerry Rafferty through to Paolo Nutini – and a thriving music scene.
“Our annual Spree festival has even been played by many of the previous award winners and shortlisted acts.
“Paisley Town Hall makes a striking venue and we look forward to welcoming the country’s music industry back to the town for what will be another momentous night.”
Previous winners of Scottish Album of the Year, include Kathryn Joseph, Young Fathers, RM Hubbert and Aidan Moffat and Bill Wells.