A home-produced album by a young couple is taking on the biggest bands in Scotland.
Rising stars Happy Meals the band name of duo Suzi Rodden and Lewis Cook will be lining up against Scottish giants Idlewild, Mogwai, Belle and Sebastian and Paolo Nutini.
Their debut album Aper has received high acclaim since it was released in November 2014.
And now the album is amongst 20 of the most “outstanding Scottish albums” for the 2015 Scottish Album of the Year Awards.
“We’re still getting over the shock,” said Suzi, 26.
“The nomination came as such a surprise to us and we still can’t quite believe it. It’s so exciting.
“To think that our first album is up for an award against such well established artists is mental. It’s amazing to be included in such a prestigious list.”
Suzi and Lewis have travelled around the globe to perform in Moscow, Prague, Rotterdam, Brussels and London.
Their sound is described by Nick Herd of The List as “minimalist cosmic disco and sultry synthpop with a Gallic twist.”
Aper was album of the month in The List and has garnered support from the likes of The Skinny magazine and BBC Radio 6.
Lewis, 25, added: “The reaction to Aper and the support we have received from people in the music industry has just been humbling.
“It’s difficult to put into words how delighted we are at being considered for such a prestigious award. I have dedicated everything I do to music in its various formats and this is the icing on the cake. It’s thrilling.”
The duo are originally from Dumfries and Galloway. Suzi now loves in Orkney as a teacher, while Lewis lives in Glasgow and works as an events organiser.
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award was developed to celebrate, promote and reward top albums released by Scottish artists in the awards year.
The long-list of 20 albums will be whittled down by public vote to 10 in advance of the award ceremony on Wednesday, June 17 at the O2 ABC Glasgow, when the winner will be announced.
The award carries a first prize of £20,000, with nine runner-up prizes of £1,000 and a Graduate Design Commission valued at £2,500.
For further information of all the nominees, and to vote, visit www.sayaward.com.
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