MUSIC MAGAZINE Clash is planning to launch an international edition for the US and a small music venue in London later this year in a bid to reach larger numbers of readers.

The Dundee-based magazine, which is already available in the US and other countries as an import, intends to launch a full international edition with a print run of 100,000 copies into the US towards the end of the year.

It wants to hire two editorial staff to open small offices in New York and Los Angeles to commission freelancers to write stories about American music to combine with content from the main edition. It is also aiming to put an advertising sales agent in each city.

Clash publisher and owner John O'Rourke said: "The UK music scene is seen as very attractive to the US. Music is seen to be happening in London."

Brian Murnin, business development manager, added: "Some American labels will actually launch their bands in the UK first. Take The Killers for example. They were huge in Britain before they went back to take on the American market."

Turning to Clash's plans for London, O'Rourke stressed that it sees itself as a British rather than a Scottish magazine. Editor Simon Harper relocated to the capital last year with advertising manager Alan Thomas, although there are also staff in Glasgow and Dundee.

O'Rourke said he wanted to lease a music venue, possibly with a partner, that could become a "King Tut's for London". "It would be the Clash Café by day and Clash Bar by night, selling the food and drinks of sponsors as well as copies of the magazine. We are actively looking for the right venue. We have got a very clear idea of what we want to achieve," said O'Rourke.

This would build on the magazine's existing monthly Clash Club Event, which has showcased The Fratellis, Babyshambles and The Kooks in recent months.

Clash, which is also increasing from bi-monthly to 10 times next year, currently sells 15,000 copies in the UK and another 4000 overseas.