Music

Arboretum Records was set up by eight people from a range of backgrounds who love music and want to help bands in Nottinghamshire.

Those behind the label say their aims are simple: to capture the vibrant and diverse Nottingham music scene; to make great records and to give exciting young musicians an opportunity to develop.

To that extent Arboretum can offer a comprehensive music package - a fully operational studio, a live venue, legal, promotional, marketing and business support plus contacts within the music industry and even free access to session musicians.

Getting started

The idea of Arboretum Records came about during a car ride home from a gig. Music lawyer Nick McDonald suggested setting up a label to architect Mark Strawbridge.

"We were talking about how great the Nottingham music scene is and how many artists aren't signed," says Nick.

"We thought why not start our own label, create a recording studio and get them in there."

Mark didn't let Nick forget the conversation and soon a team was formed.

The current group includes a lawyer, musician, web designer and venue owner.

All in one package

Mark Strawbridge says Arboretum can offer more than most labels because of the amount of expertise on the team.

"We can record them. We can offer legal and business advice. In a way it's half a record label and half a music management company. It's about allowing (musicians) to express themselves and have complete control of their music.

"We want to promote Nottingham artists here and London eventually. Essentially we're trying to capture the best that we can find."

The Nottingham sound

Ben Brettell runs the Maze in Nottingham. He wants Arboretum Records to emulate Factory Records.

"I love Nottingham as a city. Tony Wilson (founder of Factory Records) created the Manchester scene. I want to give Nottingham a kick start because this town gets a lot of hassle and knocks from around the UK."

He says he's not concerned that there are several other record labels in the city.

"There's a few labels in and around Nottingham but we want to join the bandwagon. We want to get some awesome artists signed...and make a few waves."

You can catch bands and artists on The Beat. The Beat is BBC Radio Nottingham's official Introducing show. You can listen to The Beat every Saturday night from 6.00pm until 10.00pm (103.8, 95.5fm, 1584am and DAB digital radio). If you miss it you can listen again on the BBC's iplayer.