MUSICIANS of tomorrow have forged their own route to stardom by launching the region's first college-based independent record label.

The Futureheads’ guitarist Ross Millard paid a visit to Newcastle College to meet the students behind Push Puzzle Records.

Ross was on hand to give advice to the enterprising musicians about getting ahead in the music industry.

The label is dedicated to unearthing and developing new talent from across the region and giving students the opportunity to get a real insight into the inner workings of music’s core business.

Ross, who is part of one of Sunderland’s most successful musical exports, visited the college to see students from the School of Creative Industries working on the label. The Futureheads also started their own independent record label, Nul Records.

Ross said: “I think it is fantastic to see a local college developing its own label. The key to being successful in the music industry is having a mix of both the theory and practical knowledge. A music qualification can only do so much on its own. It is the practical experience that really gives students the edge.

“Musicians can now make music at home that is of studio quality. It is getting it out in the wide world that is not that easy. Having that knowledge of how the business works is invaluable as is getting acquainted with online distribution.

“I have been impressed with what I have seen today and I wish the students the best of luck with the future success of the label.”