Under the radar: Scotland’s underground music scene

ANDY RICHARDSON is a well-known figure in Edinburgh’s music scene, both as a promoter of the Limbo and Trouble nights and as a DJ.

Tommy Reilly has finished his third album. Picture: Robert Perry

Now he is also picking up international interest as a recording artist with the Machines, Tapes & Electronic Setups EP getting the thumbs up from leading lights in the dance music community including Mousse T and Fatboy Slim. Released on his own Hobbes Music label on Monday, under the name Leonidas & Hobbes, our track of the month is called Driftin’ and features a gospel sample underpinned by some meaty bass. Definitely one for house music lovers from both the old and new schools.

Meanwhile, fledgling Glasgow label Electric Company Records is gearing up to release a double A-sided single by Edinburgh post punk duo Black International, who are set to unleash their live sound this evening at Inverness’ Blackfriars Bar as part of the goNORTH Festival. To promote the single the band will hand out 250 lollipops, complete with download code, as well as pink promo cassettes. For those who happen to find themselves in the Highland capital we recommend checking out the vast range of free gigs at goNORTH, including performances by Campfires In Winter, Garden of Elks, Hector Bizerk and Casual Sex.

For those who can’t make goNORTH, the Insider Festival takes place down the road at Inshriach near Aviemore from 21-23 June. Artists performing include many acts who have played goNORTH, with PAWS, Rachel Sermanni, Miaoux Miaoux, Hector Bizerk, Friends In America, Stu Goodall Band, Washington Irving, Prides, Woodenbox, Stanley Odd and Donna Maciocia among the highlights. Sticking to its tradition of having a festival theme (previously it has been Olympians and Victorians) this year celebrates the ages of travel in “Around The World”. www.insiderfestival.com

Last week saw the unveiling of the Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) shortlist of ten artists now in with a chance of scooping the £20,000 prize at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Barrowland on 20 June. Several UTR track of the month providers are nominated including Admiral Fallow, Stanley Odd and Meursault, as well as Django Django, Karine Polwart, Paul Buchanan, Lau, Human Don’t Be Angry, RM Hubbard and The Twilight Sad. Visit www.sayaward.com for full details

Glasgow’s multi-arts West End Festival, takes place at over 80 venues until the end of the month and musical performances include a Fence Records showcase on 9 June at Oran Mor. Full details from www.westendfestival.co.uk Over in Edinburgh, another multi-arts extravaganza, Leith Late, www.leithlate.co.uk takes place on 13 June and features 17 venues along with 30 artists and performers culminating in an afterparty featuring LAW, Teen Canteen and Sparrow & The Workshop. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com/event/222323

Tommy Reilly, the 24-year-old Glasgow singer-songwriter, who first rose to fame by winning the Orange Unsigned competition on Channel 4, has just released lead single, Shut My Eyes from his third album Waking A Sleepwalker featuring performances from members of Admiral Fallow and Frightened Rabbit. In addition, the singer has teamed up with music entrepreneur Jen Anderson to form a music catalogue/sync agency specialising in exploiting opportunities in TV, advertising and film for Scottish artists. The new company, Railroad Music is also operating a record label division releasing Tommy Reilly’s album and music by a small roster of other acts. Visit www.railroad-music.com and www.railroad-records.com for full details.

• Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run the Born To Be Wide music industry events and will be hosting talks on international booking agents and A&R at the goNORTH Festival in Inverness this week. Find out more at www.borntobewide.co.uk