Last week I went to the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, better known as the SAMAs and it was everything that is missing from the local London scene.
The event was hosted by Leyla Josephine, a Glaswegian poet and screenwriter, and Jim Gellatly, a Scottish radio presenter and DJ.
The pair welcomed on stage the various award presenters to announce the winners of each category. Guest presenters included various people in the music industry and artists such as Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Vic Galloway, who are both DJs and radio personalities from the heart of Scotland, alongside comedian Karen Dunbar and artist Bemz.
The evening kicked off with an amazing performance from Becky Sikasa, easing the crowd in with her soft vocals and powerful lyricism, followed by the presentation of the first four awards. Best Electronic Act went to Kintra the DJ/violinist twin sister duo and Best Newcomer was given to Pocket Monica the electro, techno-folk duo, the pair of friends who started out busking based in Leith, Scotland. Best Metal Act winner was Catalysis, hailing from Dundee, Scotland. This metal band is best known for its environmentally conscious music. And the last award, the Best Rock/Alternative Act, went to the band Gallus that snatched the title after a well-deserved support spot on the late Biffy Clyro tour.
The crowd then went on to watch an incredible performance from The Honey Farm, who brought an amazing strong feminine energy mixed with alternative rock that was bound to make you dance.
After a short break, three more awards were presented. Best Acoustic Act went to Linzi Clark with her breathtakingly soft vocals that destine you to fall in love with them. Best HipHop Act went to Becca Starr, an artist from Paisley, Scotland, who spoke up about women’s abuse in her recent album and raised funds for Women’s Aid Charity. And the last award of the night, Best Live Act, went to Hannah Laing, the 19-year-old DJ and artist, who now has a residency in Ibiza.
My personal favourite moment of the night was yet to follow. Headlining the ceremony and ending such a beautiful bonding night for Scottish artists and what seemed like a close-knit community, were VLURE. With their post-punk sound, Scotland’s own know how to make you dance like you’re in your own kitchen and mosh like you’re at a heavy metal concert in one set. VLURE were the perfect end to the night.
Coming back home, I couldn’t resist but look up all the nominees and live acts of the night and I was not disappointed with the amount of talent I have discovered. I truly believe our local London scene can really use an event like this that will strengthen our sense of community and bring local artists and creatives closer together