Kai Reesu take home this year’s coveted Scottish Album of the Year award

By Nathan Kelly

2025’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award ceremony took place last Thursday, and what an event it was.  

Hosting the results of both the Sound of Young Scotland and SAY awards, this ceremony is a huge showcase of some of the best creative minds in all of Scotland. 

Starting off with the SAY award itself, Govan outfit Kai Reesu took home the award for their album KOMPROMAT vol. I. The album blends classic jazz compositions with a strong vocal presence in LA rapper ‘Jurnalist’.  

After this huge win, Jurnalist had this to say: “I’m now cemented in Scottish history. 

“Because 20 years from now, 40 years from now, this is going to grow to be a larger and greater award. So, to be part of the younger alumni of it now is ridiculous.” 

This album is a stark difference from the rest of the shortlist, which contains many albums that go down the indie pop and singer-songwriter route such as Jacob Alon’s In Limerence and Zoe Graham’s TENT. However, that only helps highlight the sheer quality of this record.  

Kai Reesu, Pic: Callum Bentley

As for the Sound of Young Scotland award, it was secured by up-and-coming artist Alice Faye. Making, what she describes as, retro and vintage pop music, Faye’s strengths lie in her strong vocal capabilities and pretty songwriting.  

This award comes with a substantial package of £10,000 - £5,000 in cash and the other £5,000 split between studio time and other assets.  

With the support of this prize, Faye has her sights set on the production of her debut album, she said: “I cannot wait to record my debut album, I’m so ready for it. 

“My first priorities would probably be paying my band and producer, but after that it’s going to go straight into the debut album.” 

Aside from the awards, this event was pretty much just one mini-festival. Including performances by various talented artists such as jazz artist corto.alto, 2024’s Sound of Young Scotland winner Dillon Barrie and established singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. 

The SAY awards once again proved to be a vibrant celebration of Scotland’s thriving music scene. This night captured the creative pulse of a nation that is never afraid to experiment and has only left us anticipating what’s in store for next year.