Moving on from The Proclaimers

Edinburgh is often overlooked in favour of hipster-friendly Glasgow. This is despite the fact that Edinburgh, much like some secret little pubs and cheap cosy cafés I wont risk outing in this article, has a hidden gem of a music scene.

Like a rival cousin who’s cleverer, prettier and gets all the attention at family parties, Glasgow often usurps E-town when attaining those who top the NME’s ‘cool list.'

I’d like to shine a bit of that Glasgow cool on Edinburgh’s quietly budding open mic scene. One that can rival many a city, the small venue is where Edinburgh thrives and it is often home to that special species of performer, the unsigned musician. Arms outstretched in hope of a loving embrace, the unproven, slightly grubby, unloved and underappreciated musician can play a gig to a friendly crowd in an inviting atmosphere.

I remember watching Little Boots play her Tenori-on on Jools Holland and only a few days later saw that she was playing a free gig at Cab Vol. It was an electric atmosphere: Cab Vol was filled to its grimy rafters with music connoisseurs and students, thrilled at the free entry and cheap Stella. Florence and her glorious Machine also played at the Blair Street venue with the Big Pink in 2008 - how I’m bloody wishing I saw that poster. I did get to see her in the Corn Exchange, wondrous as she was, but the ticket cost a cool 50 pounds.

Glasgow may have King Tut’s but we have Sneaky Pete’s, the art school’s Wee Red Bar, the Liquid Room and the majestic Caves. Last summer I saw Bedouin Soundclash play at Electric Circus, the place was rammed yet still I found myself sharing a cheeky fag with the drummer after the gig.

Next is the most exciting epicentre of Edinburgh’s music scene. If venues like Sneaky’s and the Wee Red Bar are the lungs, then open mic nights, and the accompanying musical camaraderie, are the heart and soul of this beautiful little city. For any fellow students wishing to get involved or just enjoy the open mic scene, listen in!

The Ale House open mic on a Friday is a bustling, busy affair in which you can grab a pint (and a seat if you get there early) and listen to all of Edinburgh’s finest. It’s a fantastic way to meet other musicians, or just enjoy the likes of Christopher Willatt, Mat Norris and the Moon and the Last of Barrett’s Privateers. It has a friendly, open atmosphere and is orchestrated by Dave Law, who ran a previous open mic at which a certain Little Lion Man used to play.

If you fancy something more intimate and cosy, a place where you can take a seat and really listen to what’s on offer; head down to the Listening Room at the Blue Blazer. It has an extensive bar selection but be sure to whisper your orders - you won’t hear a word spoken as the illustrious harmonies of some of Edinburgh’s finest musicians circulate the room. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen was at this open mic. Sir Tom Watton performed an assault on the senses and the body, as he growled in audience’s faces, a leg up on the table in a world far removed from the quiet little folksy sing-a-long everyone else had come to enjoy.

For something a little livelier, try Out of the Bedroom every Tuesday in the Montague Bar. You can perform however you like, but no covers! This makes it a go to if you fancy listening to some original song-writing showmanship, or if you’re looking to play your first gig.

I’ve mentioned a few of the staple bands on this bubbling open mic scene yet it’s worth mentioning one more. LACH is someone who, like myself and many others, sees the huge musical potential Edinburgh offers. LACH is the founder of anti-folk, the protagonist of the anti-hoot in NYC, which has seen the likes of Bob Dylan, Beck and Regina Spektor bless its four walls, and he’s in Edinburgh. That’s all I have to say on him for the moment, but keep an eye out. If you see a LACH night advertised, it’s going to be a good un’.

Edinburgh’s got an enthralling musical ambience; the open mic’s are intimate and friendly and the quality of the local musicians is just astounding. The music scene may be wee, but it's certainly mighty.