A NEW record label has been launched to complement Cheltenham's thriving music and arts scene.

Paper Label Records – run by musicians Paul Arthurs and Chads Bradbury – will be officially launched at Sound Music Venue in Cheltenham on Saturday, November 23 with performances from three bands signed to the new venture.

Headlining is the label's first signing - singer-songwriter Edd Donovan and The Wandering Moles, whose album will be released in the spring.

Also appearing are Birmingham-based …and Upstairs, Nurses, who are in the process of recording their debut album for Paper Label, and Cheltenham teenagers Delicate Holly, who are working with the label's young artist development program.

Tickets are available to the public but are limited.

Everyone who attends will receive a free promotional pack containing a CD featuring the three bands and other goodies.

Paul and Chads have been recording with local bands as a freelance producer and engineer team for many years.

"We spent so many years making great recordings with great bands that then went nowhere, we decided it was high time to give the artists we truly believe in a real voice," said Paul.

"We made an album with Edd Donovan that we felt was so good that we really had to form a label, an idea which had been in the back of our minds for some years," added Chads.

Edd has already started to attract attention in the music world.

After hearing an advance copy of Edd's album, online folk magazine Folkgeek.net recently said, "From the outset, Edd and his Wandering Moles display infectious melodies with beautiful harmonies that take you on a journey that is both uplifting and affirming.”

With releases being available both online as downloads and in the resurgent vinyl format, the label also plans to hold more live concerts and showcases in its hometown.

Sound Music Venue is at 60 - 62 St George’s Place, Cheltenham. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £8 in advance / £10 on the door (£6 in advance for under 18s/NUS, £8 on the door).

Tickets are available from Badlands Records at 11 St George’s Place, Cheltenham, or by calling 01242 227725.

They are available online at www.wegottickets.com/event/244467

The venue has an age limit of 14.