Music fans can expect an "explosive night" at Hard Rock Cafe's Battle of the Bands showdown.

On Friday at the food chain's Glasgow restaurant, The Asuras, Sara 'N' Junbug, Chris Greig & The Merchants, and Moonlight Zoo will go head-to-head for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to New York, a cash prize and an opportunity to perform in front of leading music industry executives.

Musician Chris Greig told STV News that the audience can expect a high-energy performance from his band.

He said: "We are unbelievably excited about tonight.

"This competition has given us the opportunity to push ourselves outwith our comfort zones by rearranging other people's songs into our own style, and turning one of our own songs into a funk tune.

"We have been working extremely hard on this for the past few weeks and we are so excited to showcase what we can do to a brand new audience.

"We have done all of this whilst preparing for the release of our upcoming single, Colours, which is due to be released on April 19.

"This is a great chance for us to get out there and we are going to make the most of this incredible opportunity given to us by Hard Rock.

"The audience can expect a high-energy performance with plenty of opportunities to move around, jump, dance and sing along to some of our catchy hooks."

Moonlight Zoo are also planning an exciting set.

Sean Defrancesco from the band said: "We're really excited at the prospect of performing in the competition and relishing the challenge of playing two mashed-up covers, as well as a mashed-up version of one of our own songs.

"This has really pushed us to experiment with songs outwith our comfort zone, and we really hope the audience and judges like what we've came up with."

The event, which aims to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming musicians, will take place across the globe with live music rounds in cities including Nashville, Sydney and Moscow.

In Scotland, the event will be hosted by Jim Gellatly with a judging panel made up of The View's Kieran Webster, Heart Radio presenter Lynne Hoggan, and singer-songwriter Emme Woods.

After 24 global performances have taken place, the judges will narrow the competition down to two groups per region.

Fans from around the world will then have the opportunity to vote for their favourite.

The top three bands voted as finalists will then win a trip to the Big Apple, the cash prize and performance time in front of top music executives.

Ken Blaustein, director of music and artist relations, said: "Hard Rock is privileged to play a role in launching these deserving artists' musical careers.

"We proudly open our stage in Glasgow to showcase these emerging musicians, DJs and artists, and encourage local fans to come out and show their support as well."