Record label agrees deal with Telford College

Mighty Atom Smash Records (MAS) will be hosting workshops and guest lectures.

The label, backed by Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, and Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson, will provide opportunities for music students to gain work experience as well as offering professional artist development and industry advice.

Andy Turner, learner manager for music and creative arts at Telford College, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with an organisation with so many connections in the UK music industry.

"We will be working closely with the MAS team to host guest lectures and workshops with experienced industry professionals over the coming months.

Studios

"Bands who work with the label will get free rehearsal time, free live demo recordings and the opportunity to record at commercial studios.

"Students will also have opportunities to play gigs and showcases as part of the MAS label. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Members of MAS recently made their first visit to the college's Haybridge campus to give a taster session to the latest intake of students.

Head of MAS, Scott Garrett, said: "Setting up the link bridge into the music industry is what this project is all about.

"It's hard to get into the music industry and traditionally artists had to be discovered.

"MAS records makes it a lot easier these days, and we're seeing a lot more talent come through."

The label is a non-profit music development programme based in Kidderminster, with centres in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Bath, Oxford and Southampton.

Founded in 2001 by former Band of Joy guitarist Kevyn Gammond, Robert Plant and Karl Hyde of Underworld are the current patrons.