BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year 2025 shortlist announced
From hundreds of hopefuls who submitted their tracks for consideration, a panel of expert judges has selected a shortlist that showcases the diverse range of musical talent that make up Scotland's rich music scene.
The 2025 shortlist represents a wide variety of genres, from punk and folk to indie rock and jazz. A panel of expert judges will now select the top four acts who will advance to the final, where they will compete for the title of BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year 2025.
The shortlisted acts:
Isabella Strange – Retro punk-indie outfit
Love,Shaun – Electronic dance producer
Quiet Man – Jazz-infused performer from Glasgow
ili – Multi-instrumentalist, pop singer, and songwriter
Indoor Foxes – Scottish indie rock artist
Becky Sikasa – Soul singer and songwriter
Valtos – Electronic and folk fusion duo
Lo Rays – Glasgow-based modern rock band
The shortlist will be announced live on air by Stephanie Cheape and Phoebe Inglis-Holmes on BBC Introducing in Scotland on Friday 28 February.
The top four finalists will perform in front of a live audience at Platform, Glasgow, on March 25, 2025, with the event televised by BBC Scotland on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and radio highlights airing on Friday, March 28.
On top of earning the prestigious title of Scottish Act of the Year 2025, the winning act will receive two professional recording sessions with BBC Radio Scotland, a coveted spot at Scotland's largest music festival, TRNSMT, and a bespoke PR campaign to help elevate their career.
The competition will be hosted by Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Stephanie Cheape, presenters of BBC Introducing in Scotland.
Reflecting on the exceptional talent in this year's competition, Stephanie Cheape says: 'The Scottish Act of the Year is back and we're thrilled to showcase the vast amount of talent within the Scottish industry. This is my first year presenting the award and with all eyes on Scotland, this is our time to shine. I can't wait to see the finalists blow everyone away at the end of March.'
Phoebe Inglis-Holmes adds: 'The shortlisted acts are all so unique but equally talented – I really can't predict who will make the final! This Award is an incredible platform for emerging artists, and seeing Bottle Rockets' success since winning last year has been amazing. I can't wait to see which acts make the final!'
This year's expert judging panel includes Dundee dance sensation Hannah Laing, BBC Radio 1's Jess Iszatt, Dougie Payne from Travis and Dead Pony frontwoman Anna Shields.
Key Dates
Submissions open: Friday, January 10, 2025 (8pm)
Submissions close: Monday, January 27, 2025 (8pm)
Shortlist announced: Friday, February 28, 2025
Finalists announced: Friday, March 21, 2025
Live final at Platform, Glasgow: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year broadcast:
Radio highlights: Friday, March 28, 2025, 8-10pm
TV broadcast (BBC Scotland): Saturday, March 29, 2025, 11pm
Digital streaming: Available on BBC iPlayer from Saturday, March 29, 2025
About BBC Introducing in Scotland
BBC Introducing in Scotland is dedicated to uncovering and supporting the best unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar musical talent across the country. Airing every Friday from 8-10pm on BBC Radio Scotland, the show plays a crucial role in spotlighting emerging artists and nurturing Scotland's thriving music community.
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