SAY AWARDS
Arusa: As far as people I would have liked to have seen on the longlist, I’d choose 6th Borough Project, Asthmatic Astronaut, Jay Rolex and MC Almond Milk, Law Holt and Lord of the Isles. I’m not saying that these artists would necessarily go on to win but I think they would add some variation to the list. beardy boo hoo boys. I’m sure you’re right that there will be media outlets saying this is music for snobs and they’ve never heard of half the names. But quite frankly, fuck them. This is a publicly funded project and it shouldn’t be pandering to the philistinism and triviality of the tabloid press.
Kirstyn: For me, Ela Orleans’ Circles of Upper and Lower Hell highlights the difference between her album and the rest of the good albums on the list – the importance of not being a passive listen. It’s very hard to forget you’re listening to it; while other albums on the list faded into the background, it was impossible to ignore EO. As well as the consistent wee jarring moments that reminded me to think about the album, the whole thing builds to a crescendo and a resolution, it’s the aural equivalent of a story. It was a bit like a dream that could become a nightmare at any moment. David: I’m in complete agreement about Sacred Paws and Ela Orleans being the best records on the list and each just as deserving of the win. But why shouldn’t Honeyblood be contenders because they use guitars or Frightened Rabbit be there because they’re popular? For every discussion like this, another media outlet is having one about how this is all music for snobs and they’ve never heard of half the names, guaranteed.
Arusa: I think (and hope) Ela Orleans will take it but I’d also be happy if Konx-om-Pax won. After three awesome years of Anna Meredith, Kathryn Joseph and Young Fathers, I really hope it doesn’t go in a boring direction. I agree with your description of Circles of Upper and Lower Hell, Kirstyn. It’s an interesting and intense album and it really stands out in my opinion. David: I think quite simply, I want my favourite albums on the list to win because they sound nothing like what you might imagine when you hear someone mention ‘Scottish music’. But they ARE Scottish music. Great music in its own right plus expectations pleasantly confounded.
Stewart: Sacred Paws and Ela Orleans are my favourites by a long chalk. Sacred Paws are a huge blast of queer DIY pop joy. They use African inl uences in a way that doesn’t feel appropriative or pastiche, and the dynamic between Rachel and Eilidh is so great. At the end of the day, they make me dance!
Stewart: Frabbit shouldn’t be contenders cos they’re bloody awful. Automatic disqualii cation for The SAY Shortlist is announced on Thu 15 Jun, and the winner is revealed on Wed 28 Jun.
SAY LONGLIST
ADAM HOLMES AND
THE EMBERS Brighter Still
C DUNCAN The Midnight Sun
MOGWAI Atomic TEENAGE FANCLUB
SACRED PAWS Strike A Match
STARLESS Starless
Here
TEENCANTEEN Say It All With A Kiss
FATHERSON Open Book
KONX-OM-PAX RM HUBBERT
Caramel Telling The Trees
FRIGHTENED RABBIT MEURSAULT
Painting of a Panic Attack
HONEYBLOOD Babes Never Die
THE JESUS AND
MARY CHAIN Damage and Joy
I Will Kill Again
MODERN STUDIES Swell To Great
PICTISH TRAIL Future Echoes
KING CREOSOTE RACHEL NEWTON
ELA ORLEANS Circles of Upper and Lower Hell Astronaut Meets Appleman
Here’s My Heart Come Take It
VUKOVI Vukovi
42 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2017