Specsavers Scottish Music Awards Announces Huge Names For 2020 Virtual Event Including Biffy Clyro, Lewis Capaldi, Texas, Wet Wet Wet & More

Nordoff Robbins and sponsors Specsavers have announced the full line-up for 2020s virtual Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, bringing some of the countrys biggest stars together to raise urgent funds for Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity.

Joining the line-up on 28th November for a special St. Andrews Day celebration are; Biffy Clyro, Dougie MacLean, George Bowie, Graeme Parks Hacienda Classical Orchestra, Gun, HYYTS, Lewis Capaldi, Stephanie Cheape, Texas and Wet Wet Wet. They join the previously announced Amy Macdonald, kitti and Luke La Volpe.

Amy Macdonald said, “The Specsavers 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. Im 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.”

Biffy Clyro said, “Its really special to be nominated at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards for our album A Celebration of Endings and we thank them for this honour. Weve been long-time supporters of the incredible work Nordoff Robbins do and we know music really does have the power to change lives, so were delighted to be involved in this years event.”

Dougie MacLean OBE (singer-songwriter and composer) said, “Its an absolute honour to be nominated for the Special Recognition Award. This will be my 46th year as a professional musician and its great to be recognised by the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards in this way. This year has been a challenging time for everyone, but music is such a powerful force! … and the music therapy work that Nordoff Robbins does is so important. Im looking forward to being part of the online event on 28th November to bring everyone together and raise money for such a cherished charity.”

George Bowie said, “Its a huge honour to be nominated for the Nordoff Robbins Legend Award. It really is a privilege, but the song Heroes was recorded for the real legends of 2020, the NHS and frontline workers who have kept us all going. Id like to honour all the forgotten people in the music industry – the crew, the engineers, the roadies, the techs, the merch sellers, the venue staff, everyone – theyve all been ignored by far too many. A huge thanks to Marc aka Sparkos, Steph and of course Ellene Bowie for coming up with the whole idea! The pandemic has meant 2020 has been difficult for all of us, but its so important to be able to keep supporting the incredible work charities like Nordoff Robbins are doing at times like these, especially as their music therapy is needed now more than ever across Scotland and the UK. So, tune in, donate what you can and join me at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards where I will be DJing at the afterparty – see you there!”

Adam from HYYTS said, “We collected a Scottish Music Award on behalf of our friend Gary Clark 2 years ago and allowed ourselves a wee daydream about one day winning one ourselves, so to be nominated for Best Pop Act is literally a dream come true. And were proud of the pop category – its not a dirty word any more, in fact we think its where all the most interesting things in music are happening. Lastly, to be honoured by Nordoff Robbins means a huge amount. I was working as a music therapist when HYYTS started and Ive seen the power of music to change people and change lives. Nordoff Robbins are at the forefront of that and we love them for it.”

Kitti said, “I am beyond flattered to be nominated for this award! I cant believe after almost 10 years of ups downs, name changes and hard work – Im finally on the road to somewhere Ive always wanted to be! I feel proud no matter what the outcome is and Ive got a fire in my belly to keep on pursuing my dreams!”

Luke La Volpe said, “Its some buzz to be nominated for the Breakthrough Award, especially in such a tough year for everyone in the music industry. Its my dream to follow in the footsteps of all the amazing Scots whove won it before so Ive tried to stay busy and keep pushing forward despite all the difficulties weve had. Its not been easy for any of us and I want to say a huge thanks to the fans whove 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.”

Sharleen Spiteri, Texas said, “This really is something very very special, especially after the amount of years as a band that weve been together. To be relevant, still making records and be successful this far down the line, for over 30 years, we feel very lucky. Stay safe and hopefully I will see you all very soon in real life, at a safe distance!”

Wet Wet Wet said, “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for an award at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards and to be performing again for Nordoff Robbins music therapy in Scotland. We were first introduced to the amazing work that the charity does in 1988 when we received a Silver Clef Award for new music and weve been on a long journey of support ever since. Although this years event will be different without a live audience in the venue, we know it will still be a very special night and will help to raise well needed funds for an amazing cause.”
Traditionally the biggest night in Scotlands music calendar, the awards – now in their 22nd year – will be hosted live by Edith Bowman from SWG3 in Glasgows West End, featuring brand new performances filmed socially distanced and in line with Scottish Government regulations, as well as exclusive footage from previous sets. Tune in for a celebration of Scottish music from 7pm on Saturday 28th November via www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/smas2020 or Nordoff Robbins Facebook and YouTube.

The countrys biggest musical stars will join forces to raise funds for the UKs largest music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins. Like many other charities, Nordoff Robbins have been severely impacted by Covid-19. Most of the charitys fundraising events and activities have had to be cancelled or postponed this year – meaning they are currently expected to lose around 75% of fundraising income in 2020, contributing to an anticipated shortfall in revenue of £6million – all whilst still trying to provide music therapy to those who need it the most. In 2019, the charity reached nearly 12,000 people with music therapy, including children affected by learning difficulties learning to communicate, people living with dementia using music to reconnect with loved ones, or people affected by life limiting illness and more.

This years nominees and performers include:

Ambassadors of Rock Award sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe – Gun

Best Album Award sponsored by Guitar Guitar – Biffy Clyro

Best Breakthrough Award sponsored by Notion Magazine – Luke La Volpe (Male) and kitti (Female)

Best Pop Act Award sponsored by Bose – HYYTS

Best UK Award sponsored by SSE – Lewis Capaldi

Icons Award sponsored by Raymond Weil – Texas

Innovation Award sponsored by SSE – Graeme Park – Hacienda Classics

Nordoff Robbins Legend Award – George Bowie

Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Specsavers – Wet Wet Wet

Special Recognition Award sponsored by Sir Reo Stakis

Foundation – Dougie MacLean

Women in Music Award sponsored by Rox – Amy Macdonald

As the awards go virtual for the first time in their over twenty year history, Specsavers Scottish Music Awards will broadcast exclusive footage from Biffy Clyros 2020 Barrowlands Ballroom show and never before seen footage from Lewis Capaldis 2020 European tour. Filming brand new performances for the broadcast, artists such as Amy Macdonald, Dougie MacLean, Gun, Hacienda Classical Orchestra, HYYTS, kitti, Luke La Volpe, Stephanie Cheape, Texas, Wet Wet Wet and more will showcase some of the most exceptional talent Scotland has to offer. Hosting the ultimate afterparty for this years Specsavers Scottish Music Awards will be legendary Scottish DJ George Bowie.

Susanne Akil, Chair of Specsavers in Scotland, said: “The music therapy work of Nordoff Robbins is a true inspiration to the people of Scotland, which is why Specsavers has returned as headline sponsor of this years Scottish Music Awards virtual event.

“Charities, such as Nordoff Robbins, are relying on sponsorships and donations more than ever so we were delighted to continue our support. Were looking forward to working with the event organisers and the charity to ensure that the 2020 awards are the most successful yet and wish all the artists the very best of luck on the night.”