A NEW Kidderminster-based record label is helping to promote up and coming music artists and offering the opportunity to feature on an album.

Twisted Melon Records is looking for solo acts, singers, rappers, poets, MCs and DJs.

One of the 15 Wyre Forest producers and promoters behind the label is Marc Potter, aka Melo DJ, who has played at events including Glastonbury Festival, as well as at The Jazz Caf in Reading.

Marc said: "I have been running recording sessions and music workshops across the region for the past three years and have noticed how hard it is for the public to access recording studios and even harder to actually record something worth listening to."

He added: "We have put our heart and soul into setting up the studio and label for the musicians of the area because there is nothing offering what we are offering. It has taken a lot of time, effort and ideas to fulfil the label's aim - we now have a website with music downloads reviews, a fanzine and many links with the industry.

"We will set up gigs to showcase people on the label and we can review them on our website. We can send them on to other recording labels or put them out on our label. People can visit our website to see what we can offer."

The album will be out in June and it already features nine tracks from local artists.

Marc continued: "We just hope that everybody in the area takes advantage of this great opportunity. It is all about promoting up and coming artists."

Melo DJ will be appearing at the Rock Caf for the DJ Nerka tribute night along with drum and bass legend Nikki Blackmarket.

The first workshop will be held next Thursday from 6pm until 10pm at Memorial Hall in Stourport Memorial Park and a second session will be held next Saturday from 2pm until 10pm at the Red Cross Centre in Park Street, Kidderminster.

To get involved with the album or book the studio call the helpline on 07941 761836 or log onto the label's own website at

www.twistedmelonrecords.co.uk