The Glasgow School

As Jasper Hamill has consistently proven in these pages before: Glasgow - cynical, urban, passionate and dynamic - has its own distinctive personality. Several scenes are thriving, from the darkly experimental through playful independent pop to underground hip-hop. New clubs and venues are opening all the time - the Classic Grand is the latest. Even the ubiquitous Barrowlands, so long the pride of the East End, has become one destination among many. The ABC, Mono, Barfly, The Garage: every night, there is something original or popular happening.

The Skinny's remit in Glasgow is to continue to reflect the city's energy, support local musicians and balance the enthusiasm of the industry with the demands of critical rigour. Generally and hopefully, bands will be written about by people who support them, trends will be identified and explored: the thrill of discovery will be translated into language. New music will be upheld, criticism will not be withheld, and our pages will, as always, operate as a guide to a city growing in self-confidence.

Whether they are international superstars or four loners from Shawlands, the Skinny will unflinchingly endeavour to cover them. Fortunately, our job is made easier by the vibrant gig scene: new bands can be seen at pubs like Bloc or the Tchaiovna tea-houses, the rock aristocracy at the Academy. There is the marvellous Your Sound monthly session at King Tut's, which presents unsigned local performers. After last month's start of term, headlined by the Invisibles, the next session will be on November 5th - the hottest free ticket in town for anyone who wants to catch the next wave before the national media catch on.

The rest of the world is realising what the West Coast is producing: we are fortunate enough to be close enough to experience it as it happens.