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Two of Tayside’s best young musicians have been shortlisted for BBC introducing’s Scottish Act of the Year.

Katie Nicoll, a singer-songwriter from Kirriemuir, and DJ/producer JWax, originally from Tayport and now living in Edinburgh, are in the running for the title, which shines a spotlight on the next generation of musicians making their mark on the industry.

Now in its fifth year, BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year award clebrates the most exciting emerging artists in Scotland and provides a major opportunity for musicians to take the nest step in their careers.

After receiving hundreds of submissions from acts across Scotland, a panel of expert judges have entered the entries down to five finalists, representing a diverse mix of genres and musical influences from across the country’s thriving music scene.

Since launching in 2020, BBC Introducing in Scotland has supported more than 500 artists take the nest step in their burgeoning careers.

Katie Nicoll released her first single, Regina George, at the age of 16 and quickly gained radio support from presenters including Robin Galloway and Jim Gellatly.  Katie has since gone on to support a range of well-known Scottish artists including Be Charlotte and Brownbear.

Katie said: “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 excited to perform.”

JWax burst onto the electronic music scene in 2019 with his debut EP Port to Port, featuring fan favourites such as Uber.

Since then, he has built a reputation as a dynamic genre-fluid DJ and producer.

With a compact but impactful discography, JWax has gained acclaim through releases on respected labels including Future Classic, Headroom Records and Pressure.

JWax said: “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 other BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year finalists are: Riley – Glasgow-based country artist bringing a unique country inspired pop sound; Lo Rays – Glasgow-based modern rock band blending glitchy synths, pop hooks and heavy guitar riffs; Alice Faye – Glasgow singer-songwriter known for her distinctive retro-pop sound.

The five finalists will perform live at St Luke’s Glasgow, on Tuesday March 24, where they will compete in front of a live audience.

The final will be hosted by BBC Introducing in Scotland presenters Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Stephanie Cheape and it will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday March 27.

Alongside the coveted title, the winning act will receive a professional recording session with BBC Radio Scotland, a performance slot at TRNSMT Festival and a bespoke PR campaign to support their career development.

This article appeared in The Courier on 14 March 2026