MUSIC talent Pete Shoulder's future could lie in the US.

The 17-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, will today play in London for an audience of two - including David Massey, the head of record company Sony US.

The half-hour performance, at The Depot rehearsal studios, in Kings Cross, could lead to the singer-songwriter landing a record deal.

Last month, Mr Shoulder and his band played for record company executives at the Kashmir Club.

Sony's UK arm recommended that their US colleagues check out Mr Shoulder, who has been playing since he was 12.

Mr Shoulder, who left school last year and has a three-year management deal, is hoping he will be asked to sign on the dotted line.

"It is exciting and I am hoping everything goes well,'' he said. "Sony UK came to see us in London last month, but passed our details on to America. Who knows where this half-hour could lead to."

The guitarist emerged on the North-East pub circuit with his old trio, Blue Shoulders.

Last August, the band, which recorded a four-track compact disc, opened the Stanley Blues Festival, which featured former Rolling Stones guitarist, Mick Taylor.

Since then, Mr Shoulder and his new band have recorded a full-length disc at Northern Recording, Consett, which has so far not been released because of the interest from major labels.

Mr Shoulder has also been offered an endorsement deal by US guitar-maker Gibson, famous for its Les Paul and SG electric instruments.