Under the Radar: Donna Maciocia

DONNA Maciocia garnered a lot of critical acclaim as frontwoman for the Edinburgh band Amplifico, before collaborating with KT Tunstall and then going solo. In November the gig to launch her Fists At The Sky EP sold out and her songwriting, voice and live shows have picked up enthusiastic support among many of Scotland’s key tastemakers. Our track of the month, Infinite Colours, is a shining example of Maciocia’s many talents and we hope it is the start of much greatness to come. www.moochacha.net

Former track of the month provider, Rachel Sermanni, spent 2011 playing scores of gigs across the UK and it looks like this year the hard work has been getting her noticed by some interesting media outlets. The Highlands singer-songwriter is due to appear as a guest on Dermot O’Leary’s Radio 2 show, as well Radio 4’s Loose Ends programme to coincide with the release of her Black Currents EP on 6 February. Visit www.rachelsermanni.net for more.

Scotland’s largest showcase event, goNORTH, opened its application process last week. The two-day event, which takes place in Inverness on 6-7 June, offers emerging acts the opportunity to play to a music-industry audience as well as guaranteeing each a slot on its festival tour. As a result, bands get the chance to play the goNorth stages at Wickerman, Belladrum, Loopallu, Summer In The City or B-Fest. Moreover, one lucky act will also play as part of the Excite Exchange Project, which provides a slot at Play Festival in Belgium, Freeze in the Netherlands and Spot in Denmark. To apply visit www.gonorth.biz

Last year the Black Isle Brewery hosted two music and beer festivals, and now it looks like their competition is getting in on the act. Brew at the Bog is promoted by Brew Dog (famous for its Punk IPA) and launches this year at Bogbain Farm, also near Inverness. it takes place on 5 May, and the organisers have just announced a plethora of exciting new bands including former track of the month providers Three Blind Wolves and Over The Wall, as well as Endor, Washington Irving, The Seventeenth Century and local acts like He Slept on 57. Visit www.brewatthebog.com for more information.

Rockness tickets are now on sale, following the announcement of Biffy Clyro and Mumford & Sons as headliners. Perhaps wishing to dispel the myth that Scotland is a nation of subsidy junkies, Creative Scotland has provided a generous grant so 600 London residents can travel on a special train offering entertainment and Scottish food.

Alas, the “VIP” package is only open to those getting on south of the Border, so indigenous festivalgoers will be limited to using Scotrail or the Megabus, and will be expected to make their own fun on the journey. To see the full line up visit, www.rockness.co.uk

In recent years the most audible tunes emanating from businesses in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile have been of the cheesy bagpipe variety, as the ubiquitous tartan-tat shops lure the tourist hoards. Countering the trend is the Wee Dub Festival which launches in the White Horse Bar tonight and takes place in several venues until 5 February.

Scottish acts include Esperanza, Mungo’s Hi Fi and The Riddim Tuffa Crew and a series of workshops takes in a wide range of topics such as how to build a speaker and how to make dreadlocks, and there’s even a special class in live experimentation for children. The legendary Mad Professor will also host a Dub Clinic. See www.flowersinthedustbin.org.

Dundonian band The Law release their second album Trigger in their hometown venue, The Doghouse on 10 February. Having toured extensively across Europe and the US and playing the majority of UK festivals, they also had their single, Don’t Stop, Believe feature on the international trailer for The Men Who Stare at Goats a few years ago. The band will release Trigger on their own label Local Boy Records. To find out more, visit www.thelawmusic.com

• Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon host the music business social night Born To Be Wide. The next event takes place tonight at Electric Circus in Edinburgh with a seminar about the platforms provided by festivals for emerging talent. Taking part will be bookers from The Edge, T In The Park, Knockengorroch, Insider, Evolution and goNORTH. For more information, visit www.borntobewide.co.uk