
Music Industry Insights
Knowledge to help support the Scottish Music Industry
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Music Venue Trust Announce Six New Patrons
Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity supporting grassroots music venues (GMVs) across the UK, has announced six new patrons, including Robert Kilpatrick, our CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA). Joining MVT’s existing list of patrons are acclaimed musician Kate Nash, MP for Brighton Pavilion Sian Berry, live music agent Summer Marshall,…
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Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding Decisions and Sector Support Signposting
Creative Scotland announced the organisations who have been successful in applying for their Multi-Year Funding programme (2025-28). Over £200m has been allocated to 251 organisations, with a further £3.2m for 13 development-stage organisations. You can read our SMIA statement on what this means for Scotland’s music sector and engage with our conversation here. We have…
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Our Statement following Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding Decisions
Yesterday, Creative Scotland announced the 251 organisations who have been successful in securing Multi-Year Funding. Thanks to an uplift in Grant-in-Aid funding from the Scottish Government – unlocking the largest budget Creative Scotland has ever had – more than £200m will be invested over the next three years. This marks the most extensive portfolio of…
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Scottish Government Culture Sector Support Survey
The Scottish Government has launched a survey examining how the culture sector is supported in Scotland and what needs to change to best meet the needs of the sector going forward. Responses to the survey will inform the scope of the Scottish Government’s review of how the culture sector is supported in Scotland, including an…
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An end of year SMIA Member message from Robert Kilpatrick; CEO + Creative Director
Dear SMIA Members, As 2024 draws to a close, on behalf of the SMIA team and company board, I’d like to wish you all a relaxing festive period, and all the best for the year ahead. We’re aware that this can be a difficult time for many people. Should anyone need support, we’d encourage you…
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Statement from Robert Kilpatrick, our CEO and Creative Director, following the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget Announcement 2025-26
On Wednesday this week (4 December), the Scottish Government announced their draft budget for 2025-26. It was an announcement that Scotland’s culture sector has been anxiously awaiting for months – a sector which has been hanging in the balance, and hanging on by a thread. Hope, optimism and resilience have been increasingly hard to find…
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#InvestInCulture: Fergus McCreadie – Nurturing World-Class Creativity in Scotland
As part of the #InvestInCulture campaign, we’re highlighting the voices of creatives across Scotland’s music sector. Below, Fergus McCreadie shares his journey and reflects on the vital role arts funding has played in his career: “From the early days of my journey in playing music right up until present day, funding for the arts has…
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#InvestInCulture: Hen Hoose – Fostering a more equitable and accessible space within Scotland’s music industry
As part of the #InvestInCulture campaign, we’re highlighting the work of creatives and organisations working in Scotland’s music sector. Below, Tamara Schlesinger, the founder of Hen Hoose, shares her experience and the impact that support has had on her career and the Collective: “I’ve worked as an artist in the music industry for over 20…
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Our #InvestInCulture Campaign Calls on Scottish Government to Take Action on Promised Investment and Support its Vital Contribution
We have united with other organisations from the cultural sector from across Scotland to launch a new campaign – #InvestInCulture – to highlight the impact and value of cultural experiences, and to call on the Scottish Government to follow through on their promise of long-term sustainable funding for the arts by increasing sector investment annually by…
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Creative Scotland has published Outcome and Transition FAQs for Multi-Year Funding Applicants
Creative Scotland has released new Outcome and Transition FAQs for Multi-Year Funding applicants, covering key areas such as project timelines, guidance for successful and unsuccessful applications, and options for other funding routes. Due to a revised timeline, funding decisions are now expected by the end of January 2025, delayed from the original October date. For…
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REDOLENT WINS THE SCOTTISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD WITH ‘DINNY GREET’
rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in Stirling’s Albert Halls. rEDOLENT took home the £20,000 first prize and a bespoke trophy as part of Scotland’s national music prize, claiming the title ahead of a Shortlist including Arab Strap, corto.alto, Rachel Sermanni and more. The…
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Letter to Creative Scotland Regarding the Multi-Year Funding Programme (2025-28)
Following Creative Scotland’s recent communication regarding the delay in announcing the application results for the Multi-Year Funding Programme (2025–28), we – along with Artlink, Craft Scotland, Culture & Business Scotland, Culture Counts, Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST), Publishing Scotland, Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) –…
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Statement on the Creative Scotland Multi-year Funding Programme Delay
Yesterday, as we announced the ten outstanding Scottish albums making up this year’s SAY Award Shortlist, our sector was yet again propelled into further uncertainty. 281 cultural organisations across Scotland (including us) have been anxiously awaiting decisions on Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding Programme for 2025–28, which were due later this month. Unfortunately, yesterday’s announcement has…
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The SAY Award Shortlist 2024
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, with the winner set to gain the coveted title along with the £20,000 first prize. Plus, Martyn Bennett’s final studio album ‘Grit’ is announced as the winner of 2024’s…
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The SAY Award Longlist 2024
Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024’s Longlist. Featuring 11 debut albums, previous SAY Award winners, Mercury Prize nominees and an eclectic range of genres, The SAY Award Longlist in alphabetical order is: Afterlands We Are the Animals in the Night…
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Response from Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson, following our Open Letter on the culture funding crisis (4 September 2024)
Our latest letter to the Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson, following his written response to our open letter on the culture funding crisis. (6 September 2024)
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Unprecedented Response to Scotland’s Cultural Crisis – Scotland’s Artists and Music Industry Rallies Together, With Over 1,000 Signatories Added to our Open Letter to Scotland’s First Minister in Under 24 Hours
In less than 24 hours, more than 1,000 artists and music industry professionals have signed an open letter to Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, calling for the urgent reinstatement of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and Youth Music Funds, and assurance that the planned £25 million increase in cultural funding for 2025 is secured…
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Scottish Artists and Music Industry Professionals Urged to Unite in Response to Unprecedented Cultural Crisis
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is urgently calling on artists, industry professionals and music businesses from across Scotland and the wider UK to sign an open letter to First Minister John Swinney. The open letter is in response to the closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and the delayed reopening of the…
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Our statement on the closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals, and the delay in opening applications for the Access to Music Making and Strengthening Youth Music Funds
Yesterday, Creative Scotland announced the closure of the Open Fund for Individuals, effective from 2pm this Friday (30 August 2024), due to the Scottish Government being unable to confirm release of £6.6 million in Grant-in-Aid funding for the current financial year. Today, Creative Scotland further announced the delay in opening applications for the Access to…
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Joint letter to the Scottish Government from Culture Sector Support Organisations on the Creative Scotland Funding Closures
Alongside other culture sector support bodies across Scotland, we’ve written a joint letter to the Scottish Government in response to the closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and the reduction of support for vital initiatives such as the Culture Collective and the Youth Music Initiative. This letter, addressed to the Cabinet Secretary for…
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Announcing The SMIA Summit 2024
The SMIA Summit 2024; a two-day, free-to-attend digital conference which aims to shape the future of Scotland’s music industry, with speakers from across the sector including artists, management, labels and more. Free tickets via smia.org.uk/summit Taking place online across Thursday 5 and Friday 6 September, The SMIA Summit will foster connection, consultation and collaboration between…
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Announcing the inaugural SMIA EDIA Advisory Group
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) – the membership organisation and innovation agency which exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry – today announces the appointment of seven members to our inaugural Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) Advisory Group. The newly-appointed group comprises Jayne Stynes (Chair), Jim Muotune, Beth Black, Sof Staune,…
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The SAY Award 2024 eligible album submission is live + we return to Stirling for this year’s ceremony
Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, has launched for 2024, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize. Returning to Stirling’s Albert Halls for the third year running, The SAY Award will celebrate the cultural impact and contribution…
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The first 20 names for PITCH – Scotland’s hip hop conference are announced including Elijah, Niko BACKSPIN, Alicia Raye, Psweatpants, Meduulla + more!
Pitch Scotland returns to Glasgow’s east end at Drygate Brewery over 22-23 August. The third edition of the event will see Elijah – A creative consultant, lecturer, and artist who shares insights on sustainable creative production through ‘Yellow Squares.’, Niko BACKSPIN – Owner of Germany’s oldest active hip-hop magazine, BACKSPIN, and a veteran in German…
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The MMF Accelerator Class of 2024 Is Here
Congratulations to Aimmi Dunsmuir (Machina Management) and Jen Anderson (The Bothy Society) who are the Scottish representatives on the MMF Accelerator programme this year. Accelerator remains the world’s only independent funding and professional development program designed exclusively for artist, songwriter, DJ and producer managers. They are among the 18 talented independent music managers who will participate in…
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SMIA Board Member Anneliese Harmon Appointed to Creative UK’s EDIAG, Advocating for Diversity and Inclusivity in the Creative Industries
We’re proud to announce that Anneliese Harmon, a member of our 14-strong SMIA board, has been appointed to the newly formed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group (EDIAG). This initiative created by Creative UK, marks a significant step towards promoting greater equality, diversity and inclusion across the Creative Industries. Creative UK has established the EDIAG…
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MMF ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME: A CONVERSATION WITH JIM FREW ON NAVIGATING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
The MMF Accelerator Programme is the world’s only independent funding and professional development programme for music managers. The SMIA has been a proud partner on the programme since 2019, with the programme offering both financial and educational support including 12-month grants of up to £15,000, alongside expert-led professional development training. A report published last year…
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OPPORTUNITY: OFF THE RECORD 2024 EVENT
Off The Record returns to Edinburgh on Saturday 24th February, offering a full day event of talks, workshops and advice from experts in the music world, aimed at young musicians and anyone aged 16-25 looking to get into the music industry. This year the programme includes sessions on: Releasing Music & DSP Pitching with…
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MMF Accelerator Programme: A Conversation with Kariss Andrews on Professional Development
The MMF Accelerator Programme is designed for music managers looking to take their careers to the next level. Offering a comprehensive support system including funding, training, and mentoring, the programme is tailored to empower managers with the tools, knowledge, and network they need to excel in the rapidly evolving music industry. The SMIA has…
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PCL Presents: Booking Assistant Opportunity
Salary: £22,500 – £30,000 per year (dependent on experience) Job Type: Full-time Location: Glasgow City, Glasgow Shifts: Monday to Friday with weekend availability and flexitime PCL Presents is seeking a Booking Assistant with prior experience in show booking, ready to progress to larger shows and acts. The role includes assisting the company director with…
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WOMEX 2024: Call for Artist and Musician Applications
WOMEX (World Music Expo), the global music event celebrating diversity in music, is coming to Manchester from 23-27 October 2024. This year, WOMEX is looking for artists, musicians, DJs, producers, filmmakers, and music professionals to participate across four categories: Showcase, Club, Film, and Conference & Mentoring. Selected music showcases will feature two prominent performance…
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Scottish International Piano Competition Board Opportunity
The Scottish International Piano Competition is inviting applications for new trustees to join its board in anticipation of the competition’s 40th anniversary in 2026. The organisation is preparing for a period of innovation and growth and seeks individuals with a variety of skills and backgrounds to help guide its future direction. Opportunity Highlights: Open…
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Light The Blue 2024: Call for Proposals
Aberdeen Performing Arts announces a call for submissions for Light The Blue 2024, a festival that illuminates the creative prowess of youth in Aberdeen. From Saturday 8th to Sunday 16th June 2024, the festival will unfold across various venues in Aberdeen, showcasing a spectrum of artistic endeavors from theatre and dance to music, visual arts,…
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Grand Plan Charity Grants for Creative Projects
Grand Plan is offering £1,000 grants to people of colour in the UK to kickstart new creative projects. They welcome applications from individuals interested in various arts such as poetry, fashion, music, and more. The grant aims to support a broad spectrum of creative activities. Whether it’s art, music, events, or something entirely unique,…
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Part-Time Support Worker at Big Noise Torry
Location: Big Noise Torry, Aberdeen Hours: Up to 9 hours/week during term time and 10 hours/week during school holidays Salary: £23,903 – £25,597 per annum, pro-rata (£13.13 per hour) Sistema Scotland is seeking a dedicated Support Worker for their Big Noise Torry programme in Aberdeen. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to social…
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RADIO BUENA VIDA MUSIC WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY
Radio Buena Vida is offering a unique chance for young people aged 18-25, extending to 30 for those with disabilities, young carers, or care-experienced individuals, to participate in their Access to Music Making workshops. These workshops, funded by the Youth Music Initiative and supported by Creative Scotland, focus on various aspects of music making including…
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GLASTONBURY’S EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION 2024
Glastonbury Festival is calling for entries to its Emerging Talent Competition for 2024, open to new musicians and bands from the UK and Ireland. The winner will receive a £5,000 Talent Development prize from the PRS Foundation and a slot on one of the festival’s main stages, with two runners-up each awarded £2,500. Details:…
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Applications open for the MMF’s 2024 Accelerator Programme for Music Managers
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and YouTube Music are delighted to announce that applications for the 6th year of the Accelerator Programme for Music Managers are now open. The deadline for submissions is 10am Monday 26th February 2024. Full details can be found here. Launched in 2019, Accelerator remains the world’s only independent funding and professional development program designed exclusively…
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OPPORTUNITY: YOUTH MUSIC NEXTGEN FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The Youth Music NextGen Fund is now open, inviting young musicians and music-adjacent creatives across the UK to apply for grants up to £2,500. This is your chance to bring your creative ideas to life and advance in the music industry. What the Fund Offers: Grants up to £2,500 for individual projects. A focus…