Music Previews: Homegrown talent

Amy Macdonald

Three years ago, Bishopbriggs born singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald made her T on the Fringe debut as an unknown artist. She returns this year with two hit albums in the bag and a legion of fans north of the border. Her latest offering, A Curious Thing, was met with mixed reviews, but the rapturous reception with which Macdonald’s debut was met has assured her a place in the category of female Scots artists who never struggle to attract a crowd. The self-taught 22-year-old unleashes a mature rock-pop sound, tackling subjects as diverse and controversial as the cult of celebrity, the late Michael Jackson, and the murder of James Bulger. [Amy Taylor]

Jon Fratelli

Fresh from a stint forming Codeine Velvet Club (did anyone notice?), Jon Fratelli (of The Fratellis, strangely enough) is embarking on a solo jaunt. We’re not really sure how this will turn out, but if his rowdy pub rock band are anything to go by, there’ll be some shouty choruses and a few riffs with a few acoustic numbers thrown in for good measure. Then again, it could be set full of Nick Drake-esque folk with a cameo on the harp from Joanna Newsom... probably not, though. [Andrew Chadwick]

We Were Promised Jetpacks

The Edinburgh-based quartet are, like their labelmates Frightened Rabbit, the very definition of the Scottish indie success story. In fact, they probably have Frabbit to thank for much of their recent success; after supporting them on their first album tour, it was through them that WWPJ came to the attention of Fat Cat Records. That's not to deny the band their dues, however – debut album These Four Walls generated a steady buzz for its uncompromising indie rock composition. Adam Thompson's frantically emotive vocals and a hectic gigging schedule have earned them a reputation as an unhinged live act. [Marcus Kernohan]