DANCING IN THE DARK

Irvine Welsh is best known for a rather dark world-view in his novels. “Trainspotting,” the basis for the international film success, got deep inside the horror of heroin. And his next novel, “Filth,” is said to take that theme even further.

But with music, Welsh has turned into Mr. Sunshine. Looking for a way to escape the dank depression of his writing, Welsh has formed a disco group with Kris Needs of the dance duo Secret Knowledge, singer Sarah Jane Harrison and drummer Henry Cullen. Called Hibee-Nation--in tribute to Welsh’s favorite soccer team, the Edinburgh-based club Hibernian--the combo has recorded a single, “The Key to the House of Love (Geisit),” which will be released in Britain on Oct. 6. Welsh wrote the lyrics and raps some on the song, though he doesn’t sing or play any instruments.