A STUDENT has formed his own record label to make an album featuring the music of the best unsigned bands in Essex.

Rob Scannell, 17, set up Steel Sky Records in August after coming up with the idea through his work with Open Minded Music (OMM), a non-profit making organisation from Witham which organises local gigs.

The Colchester Sixth Form student from Rivenhall said many of the bands he has worked with through OMM do not have the promotion they deserve.

Rob, of Rickstones Road, said: "The intention is really to get the word out and get people talking about bands across the county, and also to offer an affordable CD to teenagers that features many of their favourite local bands."

The album will feature about 15 tracks and will be sold via the internet and at local concerts.

Rob - who used to be in the local band, Adrenalin - also hopes it will get airplay on the radio and reviews in music magazines.

Olly Winn, a member of Witham and Kelvedon metal band State of the Enemy, has added his support, saying: "This is a simple but effective idea.

"I think that it has a lot of potential and could really help a vast number of local bands get appreciated for what they do."

Bands are invited to submit music for the CD from now until late December and the best will be selected for the album.

There is no restriction on genre.

Rob - who is studying critical thinking, business studies, psychology, sociology and general studies - hopes to later produce an acoustic album of music from local bands.

* Bands wishing to be on the CD should send a press kit (minimum required is a CD and a biography) via email or post to Rob Scannell at steelskyrecords@hotmail.co.uk or 473 Rickstones Road, Rivenhall, Essex, CM8 3HH.