IF YOU'RE an up-and-coming band with designs on conquering the pop world, you'll need more than a garden shed to rehearse in.

Would-be Southampton stars are now being helped in their ambitions by two Southampton musicians-turned-businessmen who have just opened a new rehearsal studio called Planet Sounds.

Tim Betts and Chris Walsh have converted a building at Terminus Terrace into a cutting-edge studio boasting top-range sound, lighting and equipment.

The atmospheric centre, housed in units that started life as tunnels under a Victorian bridge, is now open to budding musicians looking for somewhere to practise.

The friends started planning the venture when Tim, an engineer, was made redundant.

"Things just snowballed from there. Music has always been very important in our lives and we decided to go for it," he said.

"There is a dearth of rehearsal facilities in Southampton and we did a lot of research before coming up with our design for Planet Sounds.

"We hope it will be well appreciated by the huge number of students in the city who want to play their music in surroundings that are designed to meet their needs. It's a great facility for anyone who wants to rehearse in a soundproof studio."

The facility comprises two "live rooms", a DJ mixing suite and computer station and three band rooms, complete with drums and public address system.

Tim and Chris received help to set up the studio from the Southampton branch of InBiz, the business support organisation.

For more information on Planet Sounds call 023 8033 4040 or go to www.planet-sounds.com