PHIL Butler is putting his university degree to good use. The 27-year-old might not have a music-related day job but he is using his Live Sound and Recording Techniques BSc to provide music lovers everywhere with free music.

Phil runs the download-only record label Cut Out Sound and spends his spare time recording live gigs, then producing EPs for download.

"It was a spur of the moment thing really," he said.

"I have quite a bit of equipment knocking around at home, so I decided to start capturing some of my favourite local bands live. It's just something I enjoy doing, but it seems to have gone down well with the local scene."

The aim of Cut Out Sound, as cited on the site, is to bring back the DIY ethic of the punk era, as well as promote local bands.

Along with high quality MP3 files, each release - there have been two so far - comes with a special design for users to print out, cut, fold and create a CD sleeve. Phil said there are no static plans for the label at present.

"I'm trying to put out one three- track EP a month," he said.

"There has been talk of starting up a Cut Out Sound gig once a month where I can record the whole thing with ease, but we need to find a suitable venue first."

Phil plays bass, guitar, and sings with Worcester-based group Gamble Gamble, which means he does not only document the local scene, he helps create it.

"The local scene has good and bad sides to it at present," he said. "There are lots of great bands knocking about the county, but sadly the city doesn't have enough live music venues.

"I know Chris (Bennion) from Not Just Sauce has been trying hard to get publicans to put bands on for his festival in August.

"Hopefully, things might improve after that."

To sample Cut Out Sound for yourself go to www.cutoutsound.com. The next show being recorded is the End of Era All Dayer at TJs, Angel Place, this weekend.

Lauren Rogers