A former Leytonstone man is hoping for chart success after launching a debut single on his band's own record label.

Matthew Ryan, 24, originally from Leytonstone, formed Step 13 Records with Nicholas Maule at university in Luton four years ago. Both previously attended Trinity High School in Woodford Green.

Two other founding members of the band are Simon Marlow and Phil Good from Brighton.

They have had a good response to their first single, July, released on November 12.

The track was produced by Phil Good, otherwise known as Itchi. It has been played on XFM and was voted single of the month in Ministry Mag (Ministry of Sound).

Nicholas said: "Our music is hard to categorise. We describe it as atmospheric break-beat. It has a funky edge.

"It has been very successful. People seem to react quite well to it. We have even been approached about doing film soundtracks. That is something we would like to do."

Nicholas and Matthew, who now live in Forest Gate, used to be in a band called Merlin's Goon. They have been DJing since they were at university.

Bustawidemove is Nicholas' alter ego when he DJs, while Matthew goes by the name Agent Orange. They have played at London nightclubs including the Aquarium in Old Street and Madam JoJo's in Soho. They have also done a weekly show on the internet radio station Gaia, which is hosted by Mr C from the Shamen.

Nicholas said: "We did a night called Mixamatosis at Madam JoJo's every fortnight since February 2000. It was hip-hop drum and base. We had Rodney P as the vocalist. At the Aquarium we did Uproar UK with the London Posse. They are veterans of the hip-hop scene."

They have also played to clubbers in Holland and Ibiza and plan to take their music to the Brazilian carnival in February.

Nicholas said: "We did outdoor raves in Holland. It was a very mixed crowd. Ibiza was very English. It was like being at home with a beach."

The group have given up their day jobs to devote more time to their record label.

Nicholas, who used to work as a PA at a music video company, said: "I was worried about leaving work but we all decided it was a necessary step if the label is to progress. Mark left Emap and Phil gave up his job as a graphic designer.

"We are learning how to be producers. A lot of people say we seem quite professional. It is just trial and error. Phil's single is out first, either mine or Matt's will be next."

To find out more about Step 13 visit their website at www.step13records.comBustawidemove (aka Nicholas Maule) mixes records in Mixamatosis at Madam JoJo's