Under the Radar: Scotland's underground music scene

Published on Sunday 27 February 2011 18:58

OUR TRACK of the month comes courtesy of 20-year-old Greenock based singer-songwriter, Kristina Cox. Her quirky style, reminiscent of masters such as Regina Spektor, has caught the attention of labels in the UK, USA and Japan, as well as producers who have worked with artists including Mariah Carey, P Diddy and Lenny Kravitz.

Kristina recently won a performance on Channel 4's Sounds from the Cities show, where she supported KT Tunstall. She has also played The Great Escape showcase festival, as well as supporting Pete Doherty and Pearl & The Puppets. Things are looking promising. Listen to The Sugar Cube on scotsman.com and check out www.kristinacox.tk

Glasgow's Detour, well-known for filming cutting-edge music shenanigans in unusual settings, have launched a channel on YouTube – see www.youtube.com/detourscotland. The collective will be covering the SXSW Festival in Texas from 11-20 March. Several Scottish acts will be performing at the live music extravaganza, including Rachel Sermanni, Bronto Skylift, Admiral Fallow, Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers, Withered Hand as well as Xcerts, Twin Atlantic, Popup and Errors.

North Edinburgh Arts is the latest organisation to receive support from Creative Scotland's Demo Fund. The charity has been building a recording studio over the last 12 months and is calling on young bands and artists of all styles to apply for the opportunity to record a professional demo. All applicants must be under 25. Live auditions will take place to select the final five acts. Visit www.northedinburgharts.co.uk for details.

Still in the capital, the Haddow Fest takes place across several venues on 2-3 April, and features over 60 acts, the majority hailing from Scotland. For a full line up and details on where to buy tickets, visit www.haddowfest.com.

Former track of the month providers, Homework have just released their first single in 18 months. Why Oh Why, is available for free download throughout March at www.wearehomework.com An album is also in the pipeline and is expected in the coming months.

Seven-piece Glasgow collective This Silent Forest have been enjoying a bit of a buzz in recent months and on 3 March they launch their debut single Falter Discover at Glasgow's Stereo. Laden with strings, melancholy and a touch of the anthemic, the song will go on sale the following week. Support on the night will come courtesy of Blochestra and Donald MacDonald & The Islands. For more info see www.facebook.com/thissilentforest

Since 2010 online service Eli & Oz has been providing a novel promotional platform for talent based in Scotland. Every month a panel of judges comprising leading media and music industry figures (with two notable exceptions), are invited to choose their favourite from five tracks uploaded onto the service's Soundcloud. The winning act then has the track sent to a broad range of broadcasters, journalists and blogs with the aim of garnering as much attention as possible. This month's winning act is Open Swimmer with the track Sugar Bowl. www.eliandoz.co.uk

• Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon host the music scene seminar and socialising night, Born To Be Wide. The next one takes place at Edinburgh's Electric Circus and will unveil details of the forthcoming Wide Days event. For details, visit www.borntobewide.co.uk