SAMA is where Scotland’s alternative scene comes alive – artists who don’t fit the mainstream box. The ones carving out their own space. And that night showed there’s something real holding it together: a community of artists, fans, and industry people who actually show up for each other.
Lo Rays opened the night with an incredible performance; easily one of my personal highlights. I’ve been a fan since I first saw them supporting I See Stars earlier this year at SWG3, and I was genuinely so excited to catch them live again.
The post-apocalyptic pop metal outfit completely owned the stage, performing their new release Scapegoat to a captivated audience. The band’s energy was insane, with vocalist Laura Takala captivating and magnetic, switching effortlessly between clean vocals and brutal screams, while the rest of the band delivered a tight, powerful performance that anchored the entire set. They even brought dancers on stage, with swiftly coordinated movements enhanced by dramatic lighting that moved in sync with the music.
The connection with the crowd was undeniable throughout. Laura got down into the audience during one of the songs, and the band fed off that energy. Before leaving the stage, they announced their biggest headlining Glasgow show to date at King Tut’s on 28 March. If you get the chance to see them there, take it. Fully recommended.
The second act of the night was comfort, the sibling duo from Glasgow forged through the city’s DIY and queer club scenes. With Sean on drums and Natalie McGhee on vocals, they brought impeccable instrumentals and relentless energy from the second they walked onstage. Their set had this intense, locked-in quality; the kind where you can tell they’re completely in sync with each other and with the music they’re making. Their sound is unapologetically honest about the world we’re living in, and that conviction came through in every part of the performance.
And then came one of the most memorable moments of the night: Natalie suddenly ran up to the balcony and sang down to the crowd from above. Totally unexpected, totally cool – one of those “okay, that was sick” moments that sticks with you. A performance that didn’t hold back and definitely stayed with people.
Closing the night were Kai Reesu, delivering a set that felt big and full in all the right ways. The horns, the vocals, and the full band arrangement came together beautifully, creating a sound that carried across the room and gave their performance a real sense of presence. Watching a full band like this work together live makes it easy to appreciate how each member contributes to creating something bigger than the sum of its parts. The musicianship was clear throughout; every layer felt intentional, every moment well-executed.
Their interaction with the crowd was natural and warm. The kind of closing set that doesn’t feel like an ending but more like a proper send-off, leaving everyone on a high note. It was one of those performances where you’re glad you stayed until the very end, where the room feels unified and the night comes full circle. A strong, fitting way to close out what had already been a really good night.
Three completely different genres, but all connected by the same thing: community, self-expression, showing up for each other. Different sounds, same spirit.
The awards themselves showcased just how alive and varied the Scottish alternative scene is. Every nominee brought something completely different, completely themselves. Standing there, hearing names called out, seeing the artists on stage, it felt less like a ceremony and more like a celebration of what this scene has become.
When the winners were announced, people cheered, hugged, genuinely celebrated each other. There was a sense of community that made the whole night feel more meaningful than just handing out awards. It was the kind of moment that makes you feel part of something bigger than just awards on a stage – the work, the late nights, the releases, the shows, everything that keeps this scene going. There was pride in the room, a quiet sense of connection, and a reminder that all the effort is being seen and appreciated.
And yes, I walked away with a bunch of new names on my playlists. That’s part of the magic of nights like this: hearing the next wave of Scottish alternative music live, seeing it all come together, and knowing you were there to catch it from the start.
Listen to the SAMA’s 2025 Nominee Playlist on Spotify.
Here’s who took home the trophies this year:
Best Acoustic – Miwa Nagato-Apthorp
Best Electronic – Proc Fiskal
Best Hip Hop – Loki
Best Live Act – Waverley
Best Metal – Sixth Wonder
Best Newcomer – Mercy Girl
Best Rock/Alternative – Martha May & The Mondays
Big congratulations to all of them; fully deserved.
Being an artist right now is hard. Streams pay basically nothing, social media demands constant content and feels like a full-time job on its own, touring costs keep climbing, and building something sustainable in music can feel nearly impossible. The odds are stacked.
But nights like SAMA prove there’s something holding it all together, something worth fighting for. Artists keep showing up to make the music they love, even when it’s not easy. Industry people keep backing them, investing time and resources into this scene. Fans keep turning up, buying tickets, cheering, genuinely caring about the music and the people making it. That matters more than anything.
Scotland has an incredible amount of talent right now, and nights like SAMA are a reminder of that. It’s about showing up, supporting each other, and celebrating the artists who are putting everything into their music. It’s about lifting each other up, having each other’s backs, and being part of a community that keeps this scene alive.
Congratulations again to all the winners and nominees – every single one of you earned your place on that stage. Thanks for making the Scottish alternative scene feel this alive.
