A music director is on the lookout for unsigned talent in St Albans for a new charity album.

Lori West, director of St Albans Calling, is putting the CD together in an attempt to help local bands by giving them more attention in the local community, while raising cash for good causes.

Volume one of the collection was released in November last year, and Ms West is hoping that the second instalment will be equally successful.

She said: "The project generated so much interest from the community that some participants started talking about Volume II before we had even launched Volume I.

"So here we are, beginning a new year with a new volume involving a new set of artists and exciting plans for taking the project forward."

Artists will have the opportunity to work with music industry professionals.

All money raised from CD sales will be given to charity.

Ms West added: "It was an enlightening experience for me to make Volume I happen and through it I learned that there are huge misconceptions amongst artists about the music industry.

"One of the biggest is the lack of recognition that music is both an art form and a business, and it’s this that makes it challenging for artists to break through or can leave them feeling defeated.

"I see this as an opportunity to empower artists with tools and insight into the business of making music, providing them with real experience and a clearer roadmap to fulfilling their dream of being a professional in the music business."

An information evening is being held in the Rose and Crown Pub on Monday, February 11 from 7.30pm.

For more information email stalbanscalling@gmail.com