Under the Radar: Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon report on Scotland’s underground music scene

• See the video here

They’ve just returned from a triumphant showcase in front of top music industry executives as part of the Yellow Phone conference in Milwaukee, USA and they embark on an extensive tour throughout October. With an explosive live show, excellent songwriting, plenty of know-how when it comes to selling gig tickets and clever social networking competitions to select bands to support them, Fatherson are showing plenty of promise in the ones to watch category. Plus, they share a manager with Idlewild. For more information, see www.fatherson.co.uk

Taking place in Thurso from 25-28 October, Wave North is a cultural festival with a difference, not least for the brave move of outdoor film screenings at the harbour. Activities also include surfing lessons, skateboard workshops, comedy, storytelling and plenty live music. Some of the venues participating include Newmarket Bar, Skinandis Nightclub, Ynot Bar & Grill and Caithness Horizons. Artists performing include We Were Promised Jetpacks, Verse Metrics, James Mackenzie, Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders, Running With Scissors and our track of the month band Fatherson. Visit www.facebook.com/wave.north

It seems strange that somebody would live next door to several long-standing venues known for playing loud music and then complain about the noise. But in such cases, it always seems to be the venues and the music-loving public who lose out. The latest victim is Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s, which has carved out a well-deserved reputation for promoting emerging talent. Due to noise complaints it will now have to make-do with acoustic gigs. www.sneakypetes.co.uk

Fortunately, a new central Edinburgh location is now being used to host music events. The undercroft of St John’s Church on Lothian Road, which is run by Henderson’s vegetarian restaurant, will feature the monthly Bad Fun nights promoted by the city’s Song, By Toad label. The next event takes place on 26 October and includes a “supergroup” comprising James Yorkston, Rob St John and members of Broken Records, Sparrow & The Workshop and Meursault. See www.brownpapertickets.com

Also providing a shot in the arm for the capital’s music scene is Haddowfest, which features numerous acts previously mentioned in this column including Mass Consensus, Katie Sutherland, Meursault, Discopolis, The 1004s and numerous other artists. The multi-venue event takes place on 28 October and promises a great day out for lovers of emerging talent, www.haddowfest.co.uk

Reloaded Fest returns to Stirling’s premier music venue, The Tolbooth, from 5-6 October. Hosted by Jim Gellatly, the line up features Broken Records, Song of Return, Errors, Fatherson as well as The Mouse That Ate The Cat (with the former frontman of The Dykeenies), Six Storeys High and more. Visit tolbooth.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth

Fife-based duo Panda Su have landed another song on a Hollywood blockbuster. Alphabet Song features in House At The End of the Street which was released in cinemas worldwide recently. The official promotional video was shot in Lochee Laundrette in Dundee (See the video here).

Glasgow blog Peenko celebrates its fourth birthday with the release of a limited edition mini-album from Randolph’s Leap, out on Peenko Records. The news comes amid the official announcement the band have signed to Fence Records and will launch their new EP Hermit as part of Fence’s Buff Tracks EP series at the Glad Cafe in Shawlands on 26 October, with support from Fence Collective artists, visit www.fencerecords.com

Although this column usually focuses on Scottish events, we are happy to bend the rules for Frontier Festival, which takes place in Berwick-upon-Tweed from 9-14 October. Hosted by the musicians behind the Travelled Music label, it promises to provide an interesting snapshot of the diverse talent around the Borders, see www.frontierfest.co.uk

Finally, former track of the month band PAWS release their debut album Cokefloat on Fatcat Records next Monday, Their official launch party takes place tonight at the CCA in Glasgow, followed by a UK tour. Visit www.facebook.com/wehavepaws

• Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run the Born To Be Wide music industry seminars. The next event takes place at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus tonight, with a panel in partnership with digital music distribution service EmuBands discussing everything you need to know about releasing your own music. www.borntobewide.co.uk