Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins have announced that their annual celebration of Scotland’s talent will be held as a virtual event this year.
The Scottish Music Awards raises vital funds for the charity while recognising the biggest names and brightest rising stars.
The livestreamed event will be hosted by Edith Bowman from Glasgow’s SWG3, with nominees and performers including Amy Macdonald, Luke La Volpe and kitti.
It will be broadcast on Saturday November 28, ahead of St Andrew’s Day.
Amy Macdonald, nominated for the Women in Music Award said: “The Scottish Music Awards have been incredibly supportive since they gave me the Breakthrough Award in 2007, which was such a huge boost when I was just starting out.
“In such a difficult year for everyone, to be nominated for the Women In Music Award 13 years later feels like another very special landmark.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the online show on 28th November and I hope we can raise plenty of money for the vital and life-changing work of Nordoff Robbins, which is needed now more than ever.”
Glasgow singer kitti, who made the BBC’s Hot List for 2020, is nominated for Best Breakthrough (female).
She said: “I am beyond flattered to be nominated for this award! I can’t believe after almost 10 years of ups downs, name changes and hard work – I’m finally on the road to somewhere I’ve always wanted to be!
“I feel proud no matter what the outcome is and I’ve got a fire in my belly to keep on pursuing my dreams!”
Joining her in performing on the night is Luke La Volpe, nominated for the Best Breakthrough (male) award.
He said: “It’s some buzz to be nominated for the Breakthrough Award, especially in such a tough year for everyone in the music industry.
“It’s my dream to follow in the footsteps of all the amazing Scots who’ve won it before so I’ve tried to stay busy and keep pushing forward despite all the difficulties we’ve had.
“It’s not been easy for any of us and I want to say a huge thanks to the fans who’ve stuck with me and the artists and everyone behind the scenes who are working so hard to make sure we can all come back strong in 2021.”
© Stevie KyleFunds raised on the night are a vital part of the charity’s ability to provide music therapists and sessions to those who need it most, marking 22 years of the awards as the main fundraising event for Nordoff Robbins.
2019’s winners and performers included Simple Minds, Joesef, Twin Atlantic and Tom Walker, raising an outstanding £70,000 to ensure the charity is able to provide vital services across Scotland.
Former Sunday Post columnist Donald MacLeod, who recently received an MBE for his contributions as Chairman of the NR Fundraising Committee Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of the Scottish Music Awards, especially during a time when it feels like we need to celebrate and support the Scottish music scene more than ever.
“For the past 21 years, the awards have raised vital funds for Nordoff Robbins and celebrated some of the biggest and best stars from Annie Lennox and Susan Boyle to breakthrough artists like Lewis Capaldi and Tom Walker.
“Like many other charities, Nordoff Robbins have been severely impacted by Covid-19, having to postpone most of our fundraising events will mean an expected loss of 75% of our fundraising income, hugely impacting those we work with.
“Despite everything going on, all of us at Nordoff Robbins are working hard to support and help with social isolation through online music therapy delivery and online events such as these.
“Music has been a lifeline for so many of us during these unprecedented times and we hope you will all join us for an incredible night of performances at the first ever virtual Scottish Music Awards!”
For further information on Nordoff Robbins visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
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