Vic Galloway is co-presenter of BBC Radio One's 'Session in Scotland'...

What do you think of Scotland's music scene?

Scotland is full of amazing, inspired, talented people - always has been and always will be, in my opinion. The only problem is that the Scottish people need to support their local scenes at all times and not look to London (and the media therein) for its approval. People may think this is not the case, but almost all of the bands that have made it in the last 50 years have had to move or at least pander to London. The bands, DJ's and artists in Scotland and the average punter who likes music should be out and about checking out their music in their City or community, showing respect to them and so creating a better scene that supports itself on all levels. The musicians want this and the punters would love what's going on in every nook and cranny, if they made the effort!

What do you look for in an artist for a session or to play their tracks?

I personally look for ideas and originality first and foremost. It is also very important to me that what I'm listening to is honest, sincere and passionate rather than aiming at being radio-friendly and commercial. It is nice to get well-produced music (in demo form for example), but not always essential. In fact rawer production values can sound superb and a good idea always shines through. As long as the band or artist in question has the ability, ideas and committment - everything falls into place... hopefully!

I listen to everything I am sent and present things to my producer that I think are worthy and suitable for the show. Although I am contradicting myself slightly, there is little point in sending poor quality recordings and ideas as we only have one show a week and are pushed for space, so only play the cream of what we get. There is no set level, however, that we expect people to be at (it might be your first demo or your fourth band!). It is usually better if the band are out playing gigs and have had a bit of determination about them. Practice, experience and confidence in your art will always win through over rushed, fashion-orientated or bandwagon-jumping attempts.

Any other useful tips from the horse's mouth?

Don't over do the plugging thing! There is little worse than a band or artist who emails, phones and generally pesters us continually. Send the stuff, wait a week of two, then get in touch (a few times, if necessary) but leave it after that, as we deal with millions of bands and releases, demos etc and it can be very annoying and unproductive! You will eventually be ignored.

The BBC are always taking on and looking for new talent behind and in front of the scenes - so check the BBC website and the press for details. From a musicians point of view, get your demos on our show. Hopefully it'll get played and this can lead onto bigger and better things. Loads of the bands that we've played over the last two years have been signed or have set up their own labels and are moving onwards and upwards.

It's very easy to reach me. Send anything to - The Vic Galloway Show,BBC, Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow, G12 8DG.

Interview by Peter Hagen. Photo courtesy of the BBC.