Franz Ferdinand round off the top three and highlight the popularity of Scottish guitar music over the last 20 years, with the likes of Mogwai, Twin Atlantic and Django Django also in the Top 10.
Franz Ferdinand recorded iconic Noughties track, Take Me Out, and subsequent hits The Dark Of The Matinee and Do You Want To cemented their place as one of the most popular bands of the period.
They have continued to receive critical acclaim throughout their career, with latest album Always Ascending being Shortlisted for the SAY Award in 2018.
The chart also reflects the importance of Scottish artists to electronic music.
Fourth-placed CHVRCHES, who were Shortlisted for the SAY Award in 2014 and 2016, have become a staple of the UK synth and electro-pop landscape, while Boards of Canada are ranked ninth and were Shortlisted for the SAY Award in 2014 for Tomorrow’s Harvest.
Slam, number 20 on the list, are the founders of Soma Records, which famously released French electronic powerhouse Daft Punk’s first singles.
“The SAY Award plays a crucial role in the Scottish music industry,” said Peter Leathem, chief executive officer at PPL.
“For 10 years it has recognised artists who have added to the country’s rich musical heritage, from rap and hip-hop to folk and pop, and PPL is proud to help celebrate its 10th anniversary. We have been a long-term supporter of the SAY Award and we look forward to another 10 years of fantastic music from some of Scotland’s best artists.”
Full Top 20:
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Paolo Nutini
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Biffy Clyro
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Franz Ferdinand
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CHVRCHES
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Belle & Sebastian
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Mogwai
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Twin Atlantic
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Boards of Canada
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Django Django
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Young Fathers
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Admiral Fallow
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King Creosote
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The Snuts
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C Duncan
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Honeyblood
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Steve Mason
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Karine Polwart
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Errors
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Arab Strap
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Slam
Developed and produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), The SAY Award looks to celebrate the strength and diversity of Scottish music.
The winner of The SAY Award will collect £20,000, while all nine runners-up will be awarded £1,000 and their own bespoke award. Following a digital edition in 2020, the event returns as a physical ceremony for 2021, welcoming guests to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on October 23.
The event will recognise 2021’s Nominees and feature special one-of-a-kind live performances, along with the exclusive reveal of 2021’s Scottish Album of the Year.
By the end of 2021’s campaign, The SAY Award will have distributed almost £300,000 in prize money to Scottish artists, with 2021 set to be another stellar year in showcasing the best of Scotland’s world-renowned musical talent.