We generally use Local Heroes as a forum to spotlight new unsigned talent. This usually takes the form of male indie-based guitar groups playing the pub circuits - very rock 'n' roll. But we like to embrace all genres, and this week are happy to go - in the words of Donny and Marie - 'a little bit country'.

Luke Guy Reed has just signed a record/publishing deal with Solent Records. Guy will be releasing his new album No Hat on the label, pencilled in for a mid-June release. Of the 12 tracks on the album, ten are written or co-written by Luke.

Based on the Isle of Wight, he regularly gigs in our region. He enjoys considerable airplay on European Radio and last year was runner up in the UK Country Radio awards. In 2000 he won the North American Country Music Association award for Most Promising International Traditional Country songwriter for his track Whisky To Wine - which will appear on the album.

Luke joined his first local country/rock band, on the Isle of Wight, as a teenager playing drums and singing harmony. He later formed his own outfit, called The Renegades. He was starting to make inroads in the UK country music scene, but a severe accident in the late 1970s put paid to his plans.

In the late '80s, prompted by an interest in Native American culture, he travelled extensively through the USA and Canada. He returned to the Isle of Wight in the mid-'90s to resume his musical career.

For more information on Luke and his next scheduled dates, check out www.luke-guy-reed.com or www.solentrecords.co.uk