THE debut album from a band led by a Kidderminster singer-songwriter is ready for its launch after 12 months of polishing.

You Are Here by The Dale Von Minaker Band will be released later this month with the first single This Summer and another track available on iTunes now.

The 11-track album has been recorded, produced and mastered by Gavin Monaghan, who worked with bands such as Editors and Ocean Colour Scene.

The band consists of Dale Von Minaker on vocals, guitar and keyboards, Garry Gibbons on bass, backing vocals, and Steven Smith on drums and backing vocals.

Dale, who last year reached the semi-finals of the annual YouBloom.com music awardswhich were judged by Sir Bob Geldof, said: “We have really enjoyed our time recording the album with Gavin at Magic Garden Studios [in Wolverhampton].

“The new tracks have been really well received at all our gigs so far and we are looking forward to many more now with the single and album release due.”

Dale has been concentrating on his band since entering the music competition as a solo artist.

He said: “It is great playing live with the band because all these songs were written in my garden shed and I get to see them come to life.

“As much as I love playing on my own, I much prefer playing with Steve and Gaz because it takes on a whole different angle.”

The album will be released on Thursday, July 26, on their independent label, Horsefair Records.

The band will hold a special launch event at the Cock and Magpie pub in Bewdley.

Dale added: “The aim for this initial project is to create the last of the greatest rock albums ever. Have we achieved this quest? Ladies and gentleman – You Are Here.”

The band will play in Kidderminster at the Royal Exchange on Saturday, August 11, The Boars Head pub on Friday, August 17 and Kidderminster Town Hall for the third Kidderminster Rocks event in September.