DJ Keith McIvor to be honoured with special recognition at Scottish Music Awards

Scottish DJ and producer Keith McIvor, better known to fans as JD Twitch, is to be honoured with the Special Recognition Award at this year’s Scottish Music Awards following his death.

The award, sponsored by PandJLive, recognises McIvor’s pioneering role as one half of the legendary DJ duo Optimo (Espacio) and his decades-long contribution to the evolution of electronic music.

McIvor, known as JD Twitch, passed away two months after revealing he had being diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour.

In July, he announced his glioblastoma diagnosis and that his condition had rapidly progressed, affecting his speech, mobility, and independence.

As the sold-out awards prepare to return to Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom on Saturday, November 8, McIvor joins a line-up of 2025 honourees that includes Lewis Capaldi, Simon Neil, Richard Ashcroft, and Moira McKenzie, among others.

Described as a “driving force in shaping Scotland’s underground sound”, McIvor launched Optimo (Espacio) with JG Wilkes as a weekly Sunday-night event in Glasgow’s Sub Club in 1997.

It went on to build a reputation for its expansive music and became one of Scotland’s most popular club nights, before coming to an end in 2010.

The duo continued to DJ, playing festivals and gigs around the world, but McIvor’s condition meant that he was unable to play at Optimo’s recent shows, including their own festival, Watching Trees.

His influence has reached far beyond Glasgow’s Sub Club and Edinburgh’s late-night scene, inspiring generations of musicians, DJs, and music lovers around the world.

Paying tribute to his long-time friend and Optimo partner Jonnie Wilkes, said: “Keith was always reluctant to accept praise or even a small compliment.

“He believed there was always more to do, that a moment of success wasn’t so important as the creativity itself.

“He fought for the future of music by releasing countless unknown artists and amplifying so much music through his DJing. I’m incredibly pleased that he’s being recognised for his contribution to the world of music in this year’s awards.”

Now in its 27th year, the Scottish Music Awards raise vital funds for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.

The annual event celebrates the best of Scottish and international music while supporting life-changing music therapy for people living with illness, disability, and social isolation.

This year’s ceremony will feature live performances from some of Scotland’s most acclaimed artists, including Amy Macdonald, Hue and Cry, Skipinnish, and The Saint PHNX Band, with rising country star Kevin McGuire opening the show.