What with waiting for their first post-festive paycheck, and facing mounting heating bills, spending on a night out isn't first on most people's New Year resolution list.

But musician RM Hubbert has rather an interesting offer.
His Will Play For Food scheme does exactly what it says.

If you invite some friends round for dinner, he will play a short, informal acoustic set in your living room, dining room, garden or wherever he can fit, free of charge.
Mr Hubbert – or 'Hubby' to his friends – told Live: "The shows I've done so far have been for friends or people who know my music well and it's been quite civilised.

"I've had some lovely meals too. Mainly it's been to small groups, although last week we did have 30 people crammed into someone's living room.

"I'm still doing regular shows as well, but I find the idea that I'm going to someone's home to play an intimate show quite special; it's something they will remember more than coming to a gig".

Hubby has been a familiar face on the Scottish music scene for more than 15 years – most notably as guitarist and vocalist of three-piece El Hombre Trajeado, who split in 2005 after ten years and three albums.

But at Will Play For Food nights he will showcase work from his debut solo album, First and Last, of which a special edition with a hand-bound book is available to order online now.

Hubby said: "I'm really pleased with the way the album's come together – apart from the fact I'm binding all the books myself. It seemed like a good idea but it's a lot of work – a labour of love.

"The songs on the record are quite personal, so playing them to people in this way seems to make sense".

TO book RM Hubbert's Will Play For Food, visit www.rmhubbert.com and fill out the contact form.