FOUR music students are heading for the big time after releasing their first single.

Sefelt, made up of Gateshead College students, have already performed on John Peel's show on Radio One, which for decades has been a barometer of taste for alternative music.

The band is made up of Steve Long, his nephew Paul Long, cousin Andy Mahon and their friend, Dave Fysh.

Bass player Steve combines band time with his job as a teacher at Gateshead College, where he and the rest of the band have all achieved popular music qualifications.

Reviews of their songs have appeared in the national Press, and their music has been voted demo of the week by Teletext Channel Four.

A number of record companies in London are believed to be following the band with a record deal looking increasingly likely.

Steve said: "We got out first review in the NME this summer and we have played at some of the bigger local venues - our support is continuing to grow.

"Getting a phone call from John Peel was a dream come true. We always joked about what it would be like to get the call but from the second I picked up the phone I knew it was him, his voice is unmistakeable."

The band, who describe their sound as post-rock, have released their first single called "Stephen Hawking".

The track is available from Newcastle record store RPM and is being distributed nationally by Rough Trade. It is also available from their website, www.sefelt.co.uk

Published: 03/01/2004