Optimo’s JD Twitch to be posthumously awarded at Scottish Music Awards

JD Twitch (Keith McIvor), one half of Optimo (Espacio), will receive the Special Recognition Award at this year’s Scottish Music Awards.​

The late Glasgow-based DJ and producer was diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour, posting the news on social media in July. He died on 19th September, aged 57. ​

In a post on Instagram, the Scottish Music Awards said: “A true pioneer of Scotland’s electronic music scene, Keith’s influence reached far beyond the club culture of Edinburgh and Glasgow, shaping generations of artists and music lovers around the world.

“His legacy lives on through the countless lives, dancefloors and artists he inspired throughout his remarkable career.”

View this post on Instagram

Optimo co-founder Jonnie Wilkes said: “I can tell you, Keith was always reluctant to accept praise or even a small compliment. I believe he was of the mindset that there was always more to do. That a moment of individual success wasn’t so important. 

“What was important, however, was the activity itself, from the foundations to the possibilities which lay ahead. I know he believed that the future of music could remain ours if we were prepared to fight for it.​

The Scottish Music Awards will be held tomorrow (8th November) at Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow.

Other acts to receive an award will be Richard Ashcroft (Icon Award), Lewis Capaldi (Best Live Act), KILIMANJARO (Ballantine's Sub Club Electronic Music Award), Amy Macdonald (Best Album Award), and Biffy Clyro (King Tut's Wah Hut Songwriting Award).

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.  

Header image credit: Optimo / Instagram.com