SAMA returns for 2023 plus music criteria & nominator groups
2023 will mark the 14th edition of the music awards!
We are pleased to announce our pool of 21 impartial music nominators and the music criteria for this year’s SAMA. The nominators are music professionals working in the sector across the specific genre.
Save the date - on Friday 1st December at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow we host this year’s ceremony with live performance, music awards, and some surprises in between! Book your ticket now.
General Criteria
Bands/Artists/DJs must qualify for these criteria:
Minimum of at least 3 tracks released between September 2022 to September 2023.
Demonstrating exciting artistic ambition within 2023 and beyond.
Be accessible across social media and DSP channels.
Have presence within the Scottish/UK festival market [For Best Live Act]
Be export ready for 2024. [For Best Live Act]
Have at least 75% of the band members based in Scotland.
SAMA Nominators
Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by Saint Luke’s
Nadine Walker - Tenement TV/Tenement Trail
Susan Hansen - CLASH
Kitt Carr - Wide Days
Best Metal sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow
Jonathan Almond - Triple G
Craig Law - Hamilton Hunter Promotions
Duncan Mountain - Red Crust Promotions
Best Live Act sponsored by Musicians’ Union
Chris Astrojazz - Kelburn Garden Party
Kayleigh Robin - Resonate Music Conference
Richy Muirhead - Scottish Alternative Music Awards
Best Electronic sponsored by
Cammy Gallacher - The Skinny
Sophie Reilly - BBC Introducing
Fiona Haggerty - Cryptic Glasgow
Best Acoustic
Alistair Braidwood - Scots Whae Hay!
Carla Marina Almeida - Sofar Sounds
Andy Reilly - Snack Mag
Best Newcomer sponsored by Snack Mag
Vasilis Mitrakas - Hidden Door Festival
Meg Denholm - DF Concerts
Selina McLean - Crowded Flat
Best Hip Hop sponsored by Help Musicians
Arusa Qureshi - AMPLIFI | Summerhall
Nick Cronin - HOURS Aberdeen
Mobo Agoro - Up2Standrd | Pitch Scotland
The list of 2023 nominees will be published on Wednesday 8th November at 19:00 and announced at a secret location in Glasgow, stay tuned for details to RSVP. #SAMA2023