They were offered it 18 months ago after their demo CD impressed talent spotters, but took the gamble of putting off accepting until Michael had finished his degree.
A YOUNG band featuring two South Tyneside brothers are set to sign a major publishing deal which could set them on the road to stardom.
Freerunner, who feature Jarrow brothers Rob and Michael Coles, will tomorrow ink a six-figure deal with major publishing house Zomba Music.
The deal is a real coup, as Zomba's roster includes artists such as The Stone Roses and Joy Division, and, more recently, Daft Punk, Mystery Jets and Jamie T.
An official signing has been arranged tomorrow at Newcastle College's Performance Academy, where the band's third member, drummer Mark Harle, 22, used to study.
Freerunner will be playing an exclusive set at the [pounds sterling]21m academy to mark the occasion, and it will be filmed by students to post on the Internet.
Rob, 23, said they are exciting times for the band, who have been recording in London for the last two days with Liam Howe from electropop band Sneaker Pimps.
"It's the first time we've worked with such a prestigious producer, and although working 12 hours a day is really tiring, we're learning so much about the whole recording process," he said.
"The contract lasts a couple of years or so, and will enable us to do some more recording and really develop as a band, without the pressure of having to get jobs.
"Being full-time musicians is something we've always wanted to do, and to have the chance to do that, is just brilliant.
"We intend to give it our best shot, and if things don't work out it won't be through lack of effort and hard work.
"So many people have helped us, from friends spreading the word, to local media and promoters supporting us and our music.
"It's definitely been a big team effort all round, and holding this signing event is a 'thank you' to everyone who's helped make it happen."
Rob sings lead vocals as well as playing bass and piano, while Michael, 22, plays guitar and produces the band's songs.
Fans who don't have tickets for tomorrow's invitation-only event, can catch Freerunner on Friday at the Rattled By The Rush night at Northumbria University in Newcastle.
There are also two more local gigs lined up, at Independent in Sunderland next Wednesday, and the Head of Steam in Newcastle, as part of an HMV/Kerrang! event, on Wednesday, March 15.
The band hope to release a single on a small independent label in the next few months.
Anyone who wants to hear them in the meantime should log on to their MySpace site at www.myspace.com/freerunnerband, where you can listen to four tracks.
GARY WELFORD
gary.welford@northeast-press.co.uk
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