The Glasgow School

Throughout January, the persistence of the rain was matched only by the paucity of major gigs: the international superstars and next-big-things were on their annual holiday, and it was left to the local scene to entertain those hardy souls who braved the howling winds.

The usual venues provided seasonal warmth - the Liquid Ship's welcoming cavern, the old school rock'n'roll grime of the Barfly and the smooth futurism of Bloc all served up their usual varied programmes: and it is from these scenes that many of the superstars once took their inspiration. Glasgow's own Fratellis are the biggest draw in February, and Popup - stars of the VERSAcoustic session at the Goat - have made it onto the NME chart, a first step to stardom? But even as the major labels pack off their artists onto the road, it is still the small bands, playing in the backrooms and paying to play, that can provide the most immediate excitement.

Back in November, the Nordoff Robbins Awards saw Sandi Thom and Paolo Nutini receive awards for their contributions to Scottish music. While no disrespect is intended to these artists, who both seemed keen to promote the charity's good work for disadvantaged children, the vision of Scottish music that the awards promoted does little justice to the diversity and intensity that can be found by slipping into any pub or venue any night of the week. Some of Scotland's finest can be found within the environs of Soundhaus or The Admiral's Rest: as thrilling as a Friday night stroll along Sauchiehall Street or as soothing as a Sunday afternoon in Pollock Park. From the retro punk of Electric Boy Shock to the neurotic new wave of Little John Rocket, live music feeds and expresses Glasgow's unique, earthy energy. Why not seek it out?