Festive fixtures and Model Aeroplanes flying high

Dundee band Model Aeroplanes are coming of age in style and celebrating with a string of gigs. Picture: Fraser Stephen

THIS month we feature Dundee’s Model Aeroplanes, as youthful as they are talented.

We first witnessed their energetic live show earlier in the year as part of the Scottish Music Centre’s Hit The Road (a touring project for 14-19 year old musicians). They’ve now finished school, performed at the BBC Introducing stage for T In The Park, supported Editors and released their debut single – our track of the month, Crazy, which in addition to creating music industry buzz has clocked up nearly 14,000 plays.

The band have a string of shows in Scotland before Christmas, including one at Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy on 20 December to celebrate the last member turning 18 years old. With youthful exuberance aplenty and catchy pop sensibilities, we predict great things to come. Listen here: www.soundcloud.com/modelaeroplanes

Guerrilla music video adventurers Detour Scotland return for their latest outing after an extended break from activity. Taking place across Glasgow today, the Wee Jaunt will guide a group of music lovers on a tour of the city. An array of Scottish artists will perform in unusual locations and the whole experience will be filmed. Although tickets have been snapped up for the free event, organisers are inviting people to add their names to a reserve list at [email protected]. Keep up to date via www.facebook.com/detourscotland

Over on the east coast, Kid Canaveral host their Christmas Baubles IV at Portobello Town Hall on 14 December. The festive bash is in association with their new label, Lost Map Records, the new venture from former Fence Records partner Johnny Lynch (aka Pictish Trail). Headliner this year is Edwyn Collins who is joined on the bill by Kid Canaveral, Siobhan Wilson, Pictish Trail, De Rosa and This Many Boyfriends. www.kidcanaveral.co.uk.

Kid Canaveral and Siobhan Wilson will also take part in the Christmas Songwriters Club on 22 December, now a firm fixture on Auld Reekie’s calendar. Held at the Queen’s Hall, this charity event brings together Scottish musicians who perform festive songs they have penned on the day. Other participants include Karine Polwart, Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit), Teen Canteen and Broken Records. www.christmas-songwriters.com

• Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon, run music business social and seminar event, Born To Be Wide, which celebrates its tenth birthday at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on 6 February, 2014. For the latest news sign up for the mailing list at www.borntobewide.co.uk