A RECORD company is going from strength to strength since its launch by a group of Teesside University students earlier this year.

Coastline Records was set up by five music technology students to help revitalise the local music scene across the North East.

Since the label’s creation in April, the five enterprising students have been busy signing bands, releasing music and staging gigs in and around the Teesside area.

Co-founder Andy Surtees, said: “It has been incredibly hard work, but extremely rewarding at the same time. We started the record label because of our passion for music and the skills we were learning on our degree course gave us the confidence that we would be able to succeed.

“I have been delighted with the success of Coastline Records so far and the interest that it has generated. It is creating a real buzz and more and more Teesside University students are getting in touch to see if they can join us.”

The founders say they are loving the experience of running the record company and wants to use it to showcase what people can do.

Along with Andy, Coastline Records was started by James Knott, James Ryan, Jamie Wilson and Takudzwa Chanakira. They have since been joined by Jo Learman Wood, Sarah Mitchell and Simon Buchanan who are adding expertise in social media, marketing, graphic design and branding.

A number of other current students have also helped out on projects – increasing the label’s expertise in areas such as video production, business development and finance.

In total, 14 students have now been involved in making, distributing and promoting records for Coastline.

Mr Chanakira said: “The amount of expertise that Coastline now has at its disposal is incredible, and it means we can move much more quickly than before and take on extra challenges. We’re now looking to add one or two web and app developers and, although we’re very happy with how things are progressing, we’re always looking to push things even further.”

Coastline Records has signed three bands so far and released a series of singles and EPs whilst already this summer they have recorded an EP of new material for Darlington indie band Apex.