A RECORD label owner has started awarding studio time to the winners of fortnightly ‘open mic nights’ at his local Flintshire pub.

Cal Roberts, who is a co-founder of 1619 records along with Craig Williams, has been holding the evening events at The Stag Inn, Bagillt, every two weeks since November.

In his bid to find new musical talent in the area, Mr Roberts’ open mic nights have also brought about a boost in business for pub owners Daniel Swannick and Sarah Oakes.

About the singing nights, Mr Swannick said: “It’s run professionally by Cal Roberts and his 1619 studio team. The event brings around 20 extra people to the pub each week.

“That’s a big boost to our local community pub, and we hope to make it bigger and bigger with more people from the area coming to showcase their talents for a chance to win time in a real recording studio.”

After forming his first record company – Rent and Debt Records – in 2017 to promote his own band’s music, Cal then partnered up with Craig Williams to set up 1619 Studios.

He said: “I had some very minor success with Skellums where most of our tracks received radio airplay. I set up Rent and Debt Records a couple of years ago to put out our music.

“We toured the country and even played at the Etihad a couple of times while I built up a studio’s worth of equipment. Then, last year, along with Craig Williams, we decided to set up 1619 Studios at an old farmhouse in Rhosesmor.

“This past year has seen more and more people get involved, including videographers, artists, photographers, kids, and choirs, some of the most creative people I have ever met.

“We work a lot with local artists, and the open mic nights seemed like a great way to meet up and coming musicians, while also acting as a melting pot for ideas and schemes.

“The Stag was my local growing up, so it seemed like the best place to start. We offer the mic to anyone who wants to get up, and the best original song wins a live session, filmed in the studio.”