UP-AND-COMING bands in York now stand the chance of a major record deal, just by dropping a demo CD into their local HMV store.

Branches in Coney Street and Monks Cross shopping centre are participating in the HMV New Music Search, which aims to uncover raw talent.

Each CD submitted will be forwarded to db Records, the independent label responsible for Tom McRae and the Electric Soft Parade, and is assured of a fair listen.

Jon Mennell, 16, from York Road in York, who plays in local rock band Lynchpin said: "The scheme sounds very useful. There isn't enough access to get demos to people. What you do send off hardly ever gets listened too anyway. I would definitely take advantage of what's on offer. Everyone in a band should."

In addition to a contract, artists discovered in the search could have their music featured on the HMV Playlist CD, a monthly showcase of hot-tipped new acts, and find themselves performing at one of the Barfly venues around the country.

Entry kits will be available from 160 HMV stores nationwide on an ongoing basis.

Updated: 09:51 Friday, April 18, 2003