Scottish Act of the Year 2026

Five of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists will take to the stage at St Luke’s in Glasgow on the 24 March for BBC Introducing’s Scottish Act of the Year 2026.

Now in its fifth year, the award continues to spotlight the remarkable breadth of new music emerging across Scotland. From Nashville-inspired storytelling and infectious pop songwriting to glitchy modern rock and boundary-pushing electronic production, this year’s finalists represent a snapshot of a scene that refuses to sit still.

The winner will be crowned at the final at St Luke’s Church, Glasgow on the 24 March, where the five shortlisted acts will perform in front of a live audience and a judging panel of key industry figures.

Refined, imaginative and quietly theatrical, Alice Faye writes songs that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Drawing on the dramatic storytelling of classic musicals, the intimacy of 1960s folk and country, and the emotional sweep of chanson legends like Édith Piaf and Jacques Brel, her music blends old-world influences with a strikingly modern voice. Confessional and emotionally rich in the tradition of Rufus Wainwright, her songwriting moves between widescreen drama and bittersweet vulnerability.

"Aaaaaah! So, so honoured to be included in the shortlist for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026! Never saw it coming and just genuinely absolutely chuffed!"

Glasgow artist Riley is helping carve out space for country-pop in Scotland, blending Nashville-inspired songwriting with a distinctly Scottish edge. Her single “Maggie’s Rodeo”, from her debut EP Married in Vegas, earned recognition as a BBC Radio 2 Horizon Artist on Bob Harris’ Country Show and was named BBC Introducing Track of the Week, adding to growing support across BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Scotland.

A compelling live performer, Riley has appeared at C2C Festival Glasgow for three consecutive years and is set to return in 2026. With songwriting ties in Nashville and a growing reputation on both sides of the Atlantic, she’s building a sound that bridges continents.

"Being shortlisted for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year is a real honour. I've loved the BBC intro show for years, so getting the chance to perform at my dream Glasgow venue, St Luke's, with my band and best friends, supported by BBC Introducing, already feels like a huge win."

Dundee songwriter Katie Nicoll has quietly built one of the most dedicated grassroots followings in Scottish pop. Named Dundee’s Best Unsigned Artist for 2025 by The Courier, her music pairs sharp, hook-led songwriting with candid snapshots of life in your early twenties – heartbreak, friendship and everything in between.

BBC Introducing have championed her work for several years, with multiple releases earning Track of the Week on BBC Radio Scotland, while her single “bye!!!” also landed support on BBC Radio 1’s Future Alternative. A seasoned performer with over 400 shows across Scotland, Nicoll has sold out headline gigs at Roots, Beat Generator and Glasgow’s Poetry Club, while her single “Be Mine” featured in Ticketmaster UK’s summer festival campaign.

"I feel so honoured to have been selected for this competition – getting the news that I’d made it to the final was a crazy feeling and I can’t believe I get to take part alongside some of Scotland’s best new musicians. My band and I are all so excited to perform."

Glasgow’s Lo Rays are bringing post-apocalyptic chaos to modern rock. Fusing glitchy electronics, pop hooks and towering guitar riffs, the band have built a distinctive aesthetic that extends far beyond the music – their cyberpunk-inspired DIY visuals have racked up huge attention online, including a behind-the-scenes clip that surpassed 1.4 million views on Instagram.

Fronted by Finnish songwriter Laura Takala, who moved to Glasgow to pursue music in the footsteps of Biffy Clyro, the band have steadily built momentum across the UK. In 2026 they join the Wide Days Talent Development Programme, prepare for their biggest headline UK tour to date, and release their new EP RE:BIRTH SEQUENCE via Danish label Prime Collective.

"We honestly still haven't taken it in that we are playing the final. We can't thank the BBC Introducing team enough for the support they have shown us throughout the years and for giving heavier, alternative music a platform. We are so excited to be bringing some post-apocalyptic vibes to the Scottish Act of the Year 2026!"

Originally from Tayport and now based in Edinburgh, J Wax has quickly become one of Scotland’s most exciting names in underground electronic music. Since his 2019 debut EP Port to Port, he has built a reputation for genre-fluid production and high-energy DJ sets that move effortlessly between breakbeat, garage and techno.

His releases on labels including Future Classic, Headroom Records, PRESSURE and HARD Recs have attracted growing international attention, while his track “Oceans” featured on the official F1 23 video game soundtrack. With support from DJs including Pete Tong, Peggy Gou, DJ Seinfeld, Interplanetary Criminal, and airplay across BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio Scotland, J Wax’s profile continues to grow globally.

2025 saw him perform internationally in Japan, Belgium and Ireland, while 2026 has already brought a debut Berlin show and a HÖR session – clear signs of an artist rapidly moving onto the world stage.

"I'm feeling good about the final, albeit still a bit surprised about the whole thing! I'm interested to see how my minimix sounds compared to the other finalists, but I'm excited to showcase my productions!"

The five finalists will perform live at St Lukes, Glasgow, on Tuesday 24 March, competing in front of a live audience to be crowned BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026.

The final will be hosted by Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Stephanie Cheape, presenters of BBC Introducing in Scotland.

The event will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday 27 March on the BBC Introducing in Scotland show – tune in from 8-10pm to hear all the action from the night.

About BBC Introducing in Scotland

BBC Introducing in Scotland champions the best new and undiscovered music from across the country, broadcasting every Friday from 8-10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. The platform supports emerging artists at every stage of their careers, providing airplay, live performance opportunities and industry exposure.

BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year has previously helped spotlight some of Scotland’s most exciting new talent, with past winners including Bottle Rockets, Terra Kin and Becky Sikasa.