Can you blame me for planning to head back through to Stirling for this year's Strange Behaviours Festival?
After launching just last year, the festival has made a bit of a name for itself in the emerging indie Scottish music scene. Last year, I went for two acts specifically, Pronto Mama and Model Aeroplanes, but was pretty surprised by a few of the other acts.
Some people believe emerging artists have no chance as the industry gets only more competitive as time goes on but I don't think it's true. Yes, there may be more musicians and creators but there are more events and chances to get your music heard. More people are willing to listen and online audiences are growing faster than ever before. Upcoming musicians and events - like Strange Behaviours, BBC Introducing, King Tuts Summer Nights, etc. are thriving so much more than people think they are. Underestimating upcoming artists and the importance of events which are focused on bringing musicians and audiences together are crucial for the survival of new music in this country.
It's another year meaning we have another lineup, this time featuring the likes of The Van T's, Man Of Moon and The Winter Tradition.
As per usual, the event is taking place over two nights, Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st of November in the Tolbooth in Stirling.