ALL ABOUT THE SAMA’S WINNERS 2019

The SAMA’s has made its mark in the Scottish music industry as a staple for any budding music maestro to either attend, be nominated for or ideally win. 2019 marked a ceremonious 10th year of the event and the platform of celebration embedded in Glasgow for familiar faces to gather year upon year.

Discovery Music Scotland were extremely honoured to be asked to take part in the selection process for this year’s nominations, so it only felt right that we head over to Glasgow to get the full scope on the night. 

There were some amazing acts nominated across all categories but only one could take home the prize from each genre. Let’s take a look at our 2019 winners…

Best Newcomer: VanIves

In association with Academy of Music and Sound.

‘Best Newcomer goes to VanIves’

It has been an undeniably poignant year for the VanIves duo that consists of Stuart Ramage and Roan Ballantine. All the way back in January of 2019 the boys released single ‘Pyramids’ an ambient yet anthemic tune which caught the attention of the industry. They then went on to deliver a phenomenal performance at the annual Wide Days convention which further exposed their digital/acoustic blend with powerful raw live vocals. 

Best Acoustic: Zoe Graham

In association with  BTO Be Creative.

‘Zoe Graham takes home Best Acoustic’

Zoe Graham has been a familiar face around the Scottish music scene over the past few years, taking her soft, stripped back style. The one-woman show is nothing short of spectacular, especially when she gets her iconic black Doc Martins onto the trusty loop pedal, but it’s also her humble nature that has made her a favourite with gig-goers.

Best Hip Hop: Steg G 

In association with Help Musicians Scotland.

‘Steg G snaps up Best Hip Hop’

Falling in love with the authenticity and diversity of the genre at a young age, our Best Hip Hop winner Steg G now boasts a reputation as a producer and performer in Glasgow. After dabbling in the art of DJ’ing he began to work with local MC’s and combine this with his passion for urban music. Firmly grounded in the roots of hip hop, Steg G continues to use his platform to discuss current issues in Scotland, of course, in his distinct Glasgweian accent.

Best Live Act: The Vegan Leather

In association with Musicians Union. 

‘2019’s Best Live Act is The Vegan Leather’

This art-pop squadron are no strangers to the SAMA’s after performing at 2018’s ceremony. This year they were back and managed to get their hands on the Best Live Act award. Known for their, funky guitar-based sound and high energy performances it’s no wonder they secured the prize. It’s been a busy summer for the quartet as they played around Scotland and select dates in England. The night of the awards also marked the release of their new album ‘Poor Girls/Broken Boys’ and as much as we love it, their iconic 2017 track ‘Eyes’ will always be our favourite in the live set.

Best Rock/Alternative: The Snuts

In association with Beezer.

‘Rock/Alternative winners The Snuts’

This is always a tough category with Scotland being famed for its buzzing rock/alternative/indie scene but a winner had to be chosen and we were absolutely chuffed to see The Snuts boys take home the victory. If they thought 2018 was good, 2019 got a lot better. This summer they headed out on a sell-out headline tour, supported the likes of Noel Gallagher’s HFB’s and smashed festival season with appearances at Y Not Festival, Kendall Calling and more. But the year’s not over yet, The Snuts will be supporting fellow Scottish sweetheart Lewis Capaldi  in England where they are sure to bring in their ever-loyal fans.

Best Electronic: Ok Button

In association with CitizenM Hotels.

‘OK Button win Best Electronic’

Aberdeen-based dream-pop group OK Button scooped up the Best Electronic award. They encapsulate a dark, mysterious air through their careful attention to production. The darker tone continues in their lyrics which often tackle societal and mental health issues but the dowerness is juxtaposed by the vocals of Amber Wilson. Their latest EP Sepia Spectres released in July caught the attention of Tom Robinson of BBC 6, Clash, The Skinny and more, all for good reasons of course. 

Best Metal: Inferiem

In association with Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow

‘Best Metal goes to Inferiem’

The Best Metal award went to 5 piece Inferiem who I have to say brought in one of the loudest crowd cheers of the night, considering metal an acquired genre – it’s great to see fans and friends come along and support. The night marked the band’s second award of the year after winning Metal 2 The Masses Scotland earlier in the year, 2020 looks like it could be a big year for Inferiem and their heavy sound.

There you have it, that’s our 2019 winners from all categories. We had a great night of live music, drinks and industry chatter.

Thank you to Richy and his team for having us at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards for their 10th anniversary, here’s to another 10 years!