Radar weekly: The latest from the Scottish music scene

We’re back with this week’s selection of news, new music and gigs. Remember, you can let us know about your band or event by sending us an email or tweeting us at @radar_scotsman.

• October means it’s time for Oxjam, Oxfam’s “month-long music festival”. The network of events has established itself in Scotland’s cities over recent years, and the line-ups are coming together for this month’s events.

The Edinburgh Takeover is on Saturday 20 October, at the Oxfam Music Shop in Stockbridge in the afternoon before later gigs at the Three Sisters and Cabaret Voltaire, with bands including People Places Maps, Letters and Six Storeys High. And on October 25 the Electric Circus plays host to Matt Norris & the Moon, Cancel the Astronauts and Lady North (more info).

In Glasgow, Hot Chip will be playing a DJ set at the Oxfam Shop on Byre’s Road on October 12, and the following Friday (October 19) Flat 0/1 hosts a Takeover with sets from Johnny Foreigner, Playlounge, Pinact and Verse Metrics. On October 27 Chasing Owls and We See Lights are at Nice n Sleazy (more info).

Aberdeen’s Takeover covers six venues on Friday 19 October and features names like Stanley, Velvet Audio, Indian Red Lopez and more local favourites. The full line-up is online.

Dundee will see a month-long series of secret gigs under the banner, “Charity Begins at Home II”. Follow @dundeejam on Twitter for the latest revelations.

Elsewhere, the Inverness Takeover is at Mad Hatters on October 12, Shetland’s Takeover is at four venues on Saturday 20 October and Cumbernauld has an Oxjam night at the Burroughs Social Club on October 18.

• Times are tough for Scotland’s independent record shops, as we have reported in the past. Avalanche Records in Edinburgh recently revealed the current challenges and some of the creative ways they’re trying to attract new customers in a blog post.

And it’s a similar story in Aberdeen at One Up, the city’s only independent music retailer. Last week it emerged that the Belmont Street outlet was in need of financial help to keep its doors open. A Facebook page was set up by a loyal customer and within a week it has over 3,500 supporters.

In a message on One Up’s own page, the management acknowledged the support: “As you have seen in the local news it’s true that we are struggling to keep the shop open. As you know we have had to pay off some really good staff over the past year or so as sales took a big dive. We are flattered by the save One Up page that has been posted and judging by the positive comments lots of people want to help. Thanks for all your support!”

Yesterday the shop played host to an acoustic set by The Birthday Suit’s Rod Jones - exactly the kind of event that keeps people coming through the door, so good luck to them.

• We Were Promised Jetpacks have been forced to cancel this Thursday’s show at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh “due to unforeseen circumstances”. On Facebook, Adam Thompson of the band writes that the homecoming gig will be rescheduled for “later this year”. Refunds are also available at point of sale, according to the venue.

NEW MUSIC

• Glasgow-based Highlanders Cuddly Shark have a new EP out today called Body-Mass Index. The six-track release is available from Armellodie records’ Bandcamp. There’s also a free single available on SoundCloud.

• Pioneering producer S-Type, who we championed last year, has a new EP out on LuckyMe, which is available from next Monday. The six-track Billboard EP is available on pre-order, but you can also listen to a couple of tracks on SoundCloud.

• CHVRCHES continue their apparent residency in the new music section with the news that their debut single is out now to buy, complete with a remix from Optimo’s JD Twitch.

• Fence Records are new to SoundCloud, and have been posting up some choice cuts, including some previously vinyl-only releases from their sizeable back catalogue. Songs by Withered Hand, Delfinger, Barbarossa, The Pictish Trail and Randolph’s Leap can be found at soundcloud.com/fence-records

THIS WEEK’S GIG PICKS

The Autumn touring schedules are in full swing, with Scotland playing host to the likes of Bloc Party, Hot Chip and, er, Toyah Wilcox this week. Here’s a look at some of the gigs you might have missed...

Tuesday: Edinburgh singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt plays Oran Mor, Glasgow.

Thursday: Charity gig Tune into Autism takes place at the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, with all funds raised going to music therapy equipment for Scottish Autism. The OK Social Club, The Holy Ghosts and Randolphs’ Leap (solo) will be providing the soundtrack to a very worthwhile occasion. Tickets £5.

Friday: Dundonian rockers Fat Goth play the Third Door in Edinburgh as part of their Scottish tour. Also playing Non-Zero’s, Dundee on Saturday.

Friday: The widely praised Rachel Sermanni is at The Arches, Glasgow.

Friday: Radar-featured Thank You So Nice launch their new album with a show at the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, with support from Morris Major, Mad Nurse and Little Love.

Saturday: Limbo returns to the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, with music provided by The Little Kicks, Night Noise Team and Body Parts. More info on Facebook.

Saturday: Errors showcase their latest electronic trickery at the Electric Circus in Edinburgh, with support from Dam Mantle, a super-talented producer who we’ve previously tipped for success.

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