An Epsom band "living, eating, breathing, sleeping" authentic 70s rock has landed a recording contract under the direction of glam rock front-man Ray Stiles of Mud fame.

Classic rock band, Mothership has signed with Right Recordings, a label which distributes under Universal Records.

Formed in 2011, the band - consisting of Jack Stiles, 22, Pete Lance, 22, Frankie Lewis, 24, and Charlie Skeggs, 21 - recorded their first album, with the help of Jack’s dad Ray in his recording studio in Epsom.

Ray Stiles had hit records including Tiger Feet, the UK’s biggest-selling single of 1974.

Following in the footsteps of Deep Purple, Led Zepellin and Guns ‘n’ Roses, Jack says the band’s "melodic" music stays true to the spirit of 70s rock - "when it was about having a passion for the music and just playing it, whether it was loved or hated".

He says: "Most of the bands today will do classic rock music and put their twist on it and don’t capture what 70s music was about.

"A lot of bands like to play loud and aggressive, everything we do is very melodic."

Jack says the band’s commitment has landed them the "first step" to making it big, and that his biggest tip for aspiring bands is "get out there and do it" because "it can’t be a hobby on the side".

"It’s hard work.  We’ve gigged all over the place - sometimes we’ve played to no one, sometimes to 200 people.  Don’t give up. 

"People will step over you and say you’re rubbish," he says.

Ray’s biggest advice for the band was "be true to yourself".

He says: "Whatever you do, you have to believe in it.  There’s no point being half-hearted."

Mothership’s success in nabbing a record deal has shown him how much the music industry has changed since Mud’s heyday.

"There are so many demands these days and you have to be really, really, good. 

"You have to have the right songs and do your own videos. 

"In my day somebody would see you and say ‘they’re ok, we’ll take them," he says.

"I learnt that nothing lasts forever and you’re only as good as your last record. 

"If you want longevity, do something natural to you, don’t go in for fads."

Mothership will be performing at The Half Moon in Putney on July 24, at 10pm. Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets are £6 on the door.