Under the radar

Published on Sunday 29 August 2010 20:01

STEVEN Milne wears a lot of different hats. He's lead singer of local Aberdeen heroes, The Little Kicks, a booker, a DJ and he also runs his own indie club night, Dirty Hearts Club. He has also recorded his own fantastic solo album, Chasing Phantoms, which is set for release on Aberdeen label Bedford Records on 1 November.

Our track of the month is Best Of Times, a limited-edition single out at the end of September that displays the type of pop sensibility associated with Edwyn Collins. Steven has also racked up some impressive support slots as a solo artist, opening for Frightened Rabbit, Malcolm Middleton and Lightspeed Champion. Check out www.myspace.com/stevenmilnemusic for more.

Still in Aberdeen, three young music enthusiasts have recently released a free download compilation showcasing the best of emerging local talent from their city. The sampler, Hercules Moments: Vol. 1, includes Right Hand Left, The Lorelei, Gerry Jablonski, Eskimo Blonde, FiveFifteen, Only the Brave, Captain Face and Estrella. Visit www.herculesmoments.co.uk to download the album.

Fife's Fence Collective, best known for Fence Records and their Home Game festival in Anstruther, are set to host the first Away Game on Eigg on 24 and 25 September. It will see the resident population of just 70 people swollen by 150 campers. Around 30 artists are performing, including King Creosote and Johnny Lynch, British Sea Power, Kid Canaveral, Found, Come On Gang!, Meursault, Over The Wall and Withered Hand. Visit fencerecords.com

Still up in the north west, Ullapool's Loopallu festival (www.loopallu.co.uk) is stepping up its commitment to emerging Scottish talent with the announcement that Kassidy, Rachel Sermanni and James Mackenzie & The Aquascene have been added to the bill, which already includes Aberfeldy, Idlewild, Turin Brakes and The Magic Numbers. The event takes place from 17-18 September.

Aerials Up, release their new single Superglue at Glasgow's King Tut's on 18 September, which will be followed by a UK tour. They recently supported Paolo Nutini and featured on BBC 2 as a result (www.myspace.com/aerialsup).

Edinburgh's amazing Hidden Orchestra (formerly known as Joe Acheson Quartet), release their Night Walks album on 20 September. Featuring two drummers and an atmospheric sound with a strong groove, the bands will be playing The Caves venue on 17 September, and performing a score they composed for the film Powaqqatsi at the Glasgow Film Theatre (25 September) and Edinburgh's Filmhouse (27 September). Visit www.hiddenorchestra.com for details.

The Last Battle collective are set to launch their debut album, Heart of the Land, Soul of the Sea on 18 September at the Roxy Arthouse, with special guests Burnt Island and Matt Morris & The Moon completing the line-up. The album will be released via Edinburgh's 17 Seconds Records. Visit www.myspace.com/thelastbattleuk

Innovative subscription service Ten Tracks has garnered a reputation for organising some fantastic events, including last month's Doune The Rabbit Hole. The festival has spawned taster nights to take place in Glasgow's Stereo on 9 September and Edinburgh's Roxy Arthouse on 10 September. Visit www.tentracks.co.uk for more info.

Miller Genuine Draft launches their latest music initiative, Miller Filtered Music. The new series promises stripped back acoustic sets with one big headliner and two emerging support acts. As shows are offering a big name act in the intimate surroundings of Oran Mor at half the usual ticket price, they sell out fast. The first show will see Pearl and The Puppets and The First Charge Of The Light Brigade open for The Doves in Glasgow on 2 September. See www.facebook.com/millerfilteredmusic

• Olaf and Derick run Scottish music scene social night Born To Be Wide. They're taking a break in September but they will be back in October. See www.borntobewide.co.uk for details