It's raining women for ex-weathermen

The outlook was grim when Midland rocker Dave Smith was made redundant from his job as a weatherman.

But now he is hoping to conquer the rock music world after setting up a record label for female acts.

Ravenheart Music has 13 bands on its books and 56-year-old Mr Smith, who works from his Kidderminster home, is searching for more.

He previously distributed music as a hobby but is now aiming to forge a career in the record industry after being laid off as a meteorologist

Mr Smith said: "I've never been unemployed before so it was a bit frightening at first but things are going really well."

Mr Smith of Comberton Road, worked for WSI in Birmingham for 20 years until last July.

He started managing bands two years ago as he felt there was prejudice against women in rock and heavy metal groups.

He said: "I've always thought that rock music is too male-orientated so I decided to do something."

The first signings to the label were Maltese metal band, Weeping Silence who are about to release their third album, and Dutch group Only Fate Remains.

He began by getting bands' CDs sent to his home and paying for them to be shipped to independent record shops.

But now he gets involved in the sleeve design, promotion and touring schedule of his label's acts.

"All the effort is starting to pay and hopefully I'll start making some money from it soon."