SCOTTISH STARS JOIN FORCES TO RAISE MONEY FOR NORDOFF ROBBINS MUSIC THERAPY AT THE FIRST EVER VIRTUAL SPECSAVERS SCOTTISH MUSIC AWARDS

BIG WINNERS INCLUDE LEWIS CAPALDI, BIFFY CLYRO, AMY MACDONALD, DOUGIE MACLEAN, TEXAS, WET WET WET AND MORE WHO ALL TAKE HOME A SCOTTISH MUSIC AWARD 
 
STAR-STUDDED BROADCAST CELEBRATES ST.ANDREW’S DAY AS FANS DONATE TO NORDOFF ROBBINS MUSIC THERAPY 
 
#SCOTTISHMUSICAWARDS

TEXT MUSIC TO 70140 TO GIVE £10 TO NORDOFF ROBBINS MUSIC THERAPY

Scotland’s biggest music stars came together tonight to celebrate the country’s music scene, while raising vital funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins. For the first time in 22 years, the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards went virtual, hosting performances and big wins from the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Biffy Clyro, Amy Macdonald, Dougie MacLean, Texas, Wet Wet Wet and many more.
 
Hosted live by Edith Bowman from Glasgow’s SWG3, the online broadcast saw a star-studded line-up join forces to raise funds for Nordoff Robbins, with exclusive footage from Biffy Clyro, a special at-home acoustic performance from Lewis Capaldi, plus new, socially distanced performances from Amy Macdonald, Texas, Wet Wet Wet, Dougie Maclean, Luke La Volpe, HYYTS and more.

Edith Bowman kicked the show off by saying, “I’ve known of the incredible work Nordoff Robbins does for many years now and it is genuinely a privilege to be here supporting this incredible charity and event. One day soon we’ll all be able to watch live music together – fingers crossed!”

Raising money for Nordoff Robbins music therapy, the event included some incredible silent auction items and prize draws including tickets for SSE Hydro shows like Simply Red and Gary Barlow plus exclusive artist competitions. Viewers had the chance to win VIP tickets to TRNSMT Festival to watch Amy Macdonald’s Main Stage set from the side of stage plus a diamond necklace worth £1300 from ROX – Diamonds & Thrills, a VIP Biffy Clyro experience including meet and greet with the band plus the ultimate GBX Anthem house party with one lucky fan winning the chance to have George Bowie play his famous set in their own house. 

The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have been the main fundraising event for Nordoff Robbins in Scotland for the past 20 years, and with the charity expected to lose 50% of their income in 2020 due to COVID-19, tonight’s ceremony was more important than ever. The audience learned how vital Nordoff Robbin’s work is, seeing just how music therapy sessions can benefit children like Thomas in Scotland. Watch Thomas’ story here.

Viewers heard from Janet McLachlan, a Nordoff Robbins music therapist working with children supported by CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) including Thomas, who is 7 years old and has a spinal cord injury which means he is paralysed from the neck down. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas has been stuck in his hospital room with only his nurses and mum visiting, so Janet’s Zoom music therapy sessions have become incredibly important.

Janet said,“Through music therapy I’m able to reach in and connect with Thomas, find the joy in his life and he can flourish. Even down the Zoom line, music has the power to reach a child who is so isolated and it can be the only thing that connects in their week and in their life.”

Eilidh Grant, Activities Co-Ordinator at CHAS said, “When we started the Zoom sessions with Thomas, he would come on and wouldn’t be in the mood for anybody and then as soon as the session started his face would just relax and he would really get involved, which was amazing. It becomes a real partnership between the music therapist and the child, and they build their sessions together. It’s a huge experience for the children, they’re able to communicate in their own way and through the sessions, they start to become more confident. I’m quite tough, I can hold it together but music therapy is just so powerful – I was just sitting there in tears! To be able to bring that voice out of a child who doesn’t have a voice is just huge.”

Donald C MacLeod MBE, Chairman of the NR Fundraising Committee Scotland said, “What an incredible night! We are delighted we were still able to host one of Nordoff Robbins’ most important fundraisers during this difficult time. Our annual night of music and cultural celebration brought people from all over the country together virtually, to celebrate some of Scotland’s biggest and best stars whilst raising vital funds for our music therapy work at Nordoff Robbins. Like so many charities, Nordoff Robbins have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and we truly can’t thank everybody who came together to make this event happen enough. From Scottish music legends like Dougie MacLean and Wet Wet Wet, superstars like Lewis Capaldi and Biffy Clyro, and not to mention rising stars like Stephanie Cheape and Luke La Volpe – music has been a lifeline for so many of us during these unprecedented times and their support is so appreciated. And to our audience who joined in from their own homes tonight and so generously donated to Nordoff Robbins – your ongoing support ensures we can provide music therapy to those who need it most, particularly in these trying times when more people than ever are facing social isolation. Congratulations to all our winners!”

Specsavers returned as headline sponsor for the second year in a row and Susanne Akil, Chair of Specsavers in Scotland, said: “Specsavers was delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Scottish Music Awards once again and present the award for Outstanding Contribution in Music to Wet Wet Wet.

“This year has been especially challenging for live events and we would like to commend the organisers for the fantastic work in creating a superb digital format, ensuring fundraising efforts for music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, could continue during the pandemic.”

Opening the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards for 2020 was one of Scotland’s most successful musical exports. Amy Macdonald lit up the screen as she performed ‘The Hudson’ and ‘Fire’ from her just-released album ‘The Human Demands’. She finished off with her huge hit ‘This Is The Life’ before taking home the first award of the night, the Women in Music Award sponsored by ROX – Diamonds & Thrills.

A longtime supporter of Nordoff Robbins music therapy, Amy said, “Please give what you can to Nordoff Robbins, they do such incredible work and need your help now more than ever. Thank you so much to Rox for this award, and thanks again to Nordoff Robbins for letting me perform live for the first time in ages – it’s been awesome!”

The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards has a long history of supporting the country’s best breakthrough talent, with everyone from Lewis Capaldi, Tom Walker, Be Charlotteand Joesef collecting awards since 2017. 2020 was no different, with the incredible Luke La Volpe and kitti picking up the Best Breakthrough Awards (Male and Female) sponsored by Notion Magazine. One of the biggest rising stars in Scotland today, Luke La Volpe has a sold-out show at King Tut’s to look forward to in 2021 as well as dates at TRNSMT Festival and Belladrum, while Glasgow singer kitti made the BBC’s Hot List for 2020. Two true stars in the making, tonight’s Scottish Music Award win looks to be only the beginning for Luke La Volpe and kitti who treated viewers to two incredible performances.
 
Luke La Volpe said, “Winning this award means the world to me, I’ve been slogging at this since I was 9 years old so it’s amazing to get a bit of recognition after all the hard work. I love supporting Nordoff Robbins because it’s an unbelievable cause for these young kids that are getting helped through music, it’s beautiful to see. Thanks to Notion Magazine and Nordoff Robbins, it’s been a hard year for all of us and this makes it all worth it.”

kitti said, “I support Nordoff Robbins because music is the most powerful thing in the world – it’s got me through so many issues in terms of my mental health and I can imagine it would do the same for a lot of people. Thank you to Notion Magazine and Nordoff Robbins for my award, I am completely utterly delighted, totally shocked and overwhelmed. Thank you so much for your support and this feels like the beginning of something really special.”

Alt-pop duo HYYTS brought their carefully crafted sound to an empty SWG3 before deservedly winning the Best Pop Award sponsored by Bose, paving the way for an exciting 2021 for the up and coming band. With Adam from HYYTS having worked as a music therapist when the band started, the Glasgow act feel a strong connection with Nordoff Robbins’ music therapy work, saying “Thank you so much to BOSE and Nordoff Robbins for our award, it’s amazing to receive an award especially in these times. Music is therapeutic because it’s the time you get to have a cry, have a sing, have a dance, feel emotions and get them out. It’s a communication with someone else, and it’s the purest form of therapy in my opinion.”

Ambassadors of Rock sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow was taken home by Glasgow band Gun who performed fan-favourites ‘Better Days’ and ‘Word Up’ in SWG3.

Gun said, “It’s a great honour and privilege for us to be here to collect this award, kindly sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe. We are huge supporters of Nordoff Robbins and all the valuable work they do for all the kids out there…it’s a wonderful charity and we are delighted to be associated with them. Special thanks to everybody in Nordoff Robbins who makes this all happen and a special thanks to our good friend Donald MacLeod who goes beyond the call of duty for the charity.”

For one of the most special moments in the stream, airing just two days before St.Andrew’s Day, it was time for one of Scotland’s biggest stars to join the virtual party as Dougie MacLean took to the stage. Having hosted his own livestream concerts for the past eight months from his old village school in Perthshire, Dougie is no stranger to the virtual stage and entertained the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards audience with a stunning rendition of the one and only ‘Caledonia’. The legendary singer also performed his beautiful song ‘The Gift’, written after he visited a Nordoff Robbins music therapy session at Rachel House children’s hospice in Kinross.

Dougie MacLean said, “It’s a great pleasure to be part of the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards and to receive this Special Recognition Award sponsored by Sir Reo Stakis Foundation, who like myself, have been great champions of Nordoff Robbins. I was invited down to Rachel House outside Kinross which is a hospice for terminally ill kids and I was privileged to sit in on one of the Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions. They brought a wee girl into the room and she was obviously very sick but when they started to play the piano and sing her name, all of a sudden her face lit up and she started reaching her arms out, like she wanted to catch the music. It was a fantastic moment and fantastic to see the magic that is music therapy. I’ve always believed music is magic and that wee moment proved it. I hope you’ll all give as much as you possibly can to the wonderful Nordoff Robbins, you all stay safe and I’ll see you further on.”

The Innovation Award sponsored by SSE went to Graeme Park’s Hacienda Classical Orchestra, who provided the perfect lockdown Saturday night entertainment. The groundbreaking Aberdonian DJ, donned in a kilt and self-isolating so playing remotely, and Hacienda Classical played their massive version of ‘You’ve Got the Love’. Graeme Park said, “It’s an absolute joy to be part of the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards and I’m proud, honoured and excited to have won the Innovation Award supported by SSE. Of course, this award is for my involvement with the Hacienda Classical show which wouldn’t be possible without the amazing Manchester Camerata Orchestra and the support of Peter Hook. A big shout to everyone in our show, the singers,the choirs and everybody behind the scene who makes it possible. Thank you very much and if you can, please donate something to the wonderful Nordoff Robbins.”
 
A highlight of the night included a special video message from none other than rock superstars Biffy Clyro, as the audience were captivated by exclusive, unseen footage from their very special 2020 performance at Glasgow’s Barrowlands Ballroom including ‘Weird Leisure’ and the beautiful ‘Space’. The trio won the Best Album Award sponsored by Guitar Guitar for their critically acclaimed latest record ‘A Celebration of Endings’.

Accepting their Scottish Music Award, Biffy Clyro said, “Hello everybody, we hope you’re well! Thank you so much for the Scottish Music Award Album of the Year, it means a lot to us. When we started recording this record last year, I guess like everyone else, we had no idea what 2020 held in store, but you know what, the power of music and art feels more important than ever this year. We’ll all be back together soon I hope, we love you guys, we miss you guys. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay positive, and mon the ******* Biff!”

Mercury Prize and Scottish Album of the Year Award winners Young Fathers were up next, winning the coveted King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Songwriting Award.

Graham Hastings from the award-winning band said, “Big thank you to King Tut’s and big thank you especially to Nordoff Robbins for providing such a vital service to people at times like these. I think it’s important that we remember to support these charities. Music therapy can really help people so if you can text to donate please do. Thank you from Young Fathers, good night!”One of the most highly anticipated performances of the night came from the self-proclaimed Scottish Beyoncé himself as Lewis Capaldi delighted viewers of the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards with a special intimate performance from his own home. Playing an acoustic rendition of two of his biggest tracks ‘Before You Go’ and ‘Someone You Loved’, the West Lothian superstar has a long history with the awards ceremony, having won the Best Breakthrough Artist Award back in 2017 and taking home the Songwriting Award at last year’s ceremony.

When it came to the final performance of the night, it could only be one band. Wet Wet Wet have sold 15 million singles and albums to date, with their albums certified 20 x Platinum in the UK alone. The iconic Scottish band have a historic relationship with Nordoff Robbins, having received the ‘New Music Award’ at the charity’s Silver Clef Awards back in 1988. From donating proceeds of over £200,000 from a 1992 one off concert to Nordoff Robbins, to performing at the Scottish Music Awards over 13 years ago in 2007, Wet Wet Wet have supported the charity’s music therapy work for over 30 years and it was only right that tonight, they collected the final award of the night – Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Specsavers.

The band, who were performing together for the first time since February, gave the audience a rousing performance of some of their biggest hits including ‘Sweet Surrender’, ‘Goodnight Girl’  and of course ‘Love Is All Around Me’.

Wet Wet Wet said, “We go back a long way with Nordoff Robbins… back to 1988, which is more years than I care to remember! They use music as a means of communication and we can relate to that because that’s the way we communicate. Music opens up doors, it brings people together and it breaks down that barrier. We will continue to support the charity and it only gets more important as time goes on. Thanks very much!”

Despite 2020’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards going virtual for the first time ever, the ceremony remained a night of celebration for the Scottish music scene while shining an important light on the incredible work undertaken by Nordoff Robbins. Honouring living legends as well as rising stars, the awards reminded an audience from around the world exactly why Scotland’s music scene is so revered, producing some of the biggest acts in music right now.

Stay tuned for the chance to watch the epic broadcast once again – subscribe to Nordoff Robbins’ YouTube here.

For further information on Nordoff Robbins visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk. 

Follow Nordoff Robbins on Twitter @NordoffRobbins1, Instagram @nordoffrobbins and Facebook @NordoffRobbins.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

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 sponsored by Coors Light
George Bowie

Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Specsavers
Wet Wet Wet

Songwriting Award sponsored by King Tuts
Young Fathers

Special Recognition Award sponsored by Sir Reo Stakis Foundation
Dougie MacLean

Women in Music Award sponsored by ROX – Diamonds & Thrills
Amy MacdonaldABOUT NORDOFF ROBBINS
Nordoff Robbins is the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by life limiting illness, isolation or disability. We receive no direct government funding, which means we rely on the generosity of our supporters.

Our music therapists are expertly trained to tune into each movement, reaction and expression of the individuals they work with to discover how music can enrich their lives. This could be to unlock memories, to communicate where words have failed, to socially connect with family and friends, and to build confidence and self-esteem.

We provide a range of different sessions for children and adults of all ages in our centres in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Scotland – from specialised one-to-one music therapy to shared sessions for groups of different sizes and formats.

We also work in partnership with over 200 organisations to bring music therapy to as many vulnerable people who could benefit from it as possible. These include schools, care homes, hospices, hospitals, mental health services, and brain injury units. 

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