A NEW recording facility has been launched in Hartlepool to help musicians produce their albums.

The new 24-track studio at The Studio in the town's Tower Street, is equipped with a Amek Mozart desk, which came out of the Glasgow studio of 1980s' supergroup Simple Minds, and a two-inch Otari reel-to-reel analogue machine.

Studio manager Liz Carter said: "This is perhaps the most professional music facilities the town has ever had.

"Artists can actually record to professional standards and for a little voluntary organisation like us it is truly remarkable."

The studio has already attracted the attention of Texan guitarist Amos Garrett, who is considering cutting his next album at The Studio sometime next year.

Ms Carter said: "The fact that we are attracting big name artists is a fantastic achievement."

The event was launched by local band Tug, who are developing an increasing reputation for their own brand of funky jazz.

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