A Keighley musician dedicated to keeping British Rock ‘n’ Roll alive will release his debut EP at the end of next month.

Gaz Blackburn was the founding member and songwriter for Keighley rock band Halcyon Days.

He turned solo after the band went their separate ways, leaving him with an arsenal of songs and a free reign to push ahead with what he loves most – making anthems.

After supporting Jake Bugg and Rudimental at Aire Do 2012, as well as Lee Southall and Molly Jones at Woodfest 2012, Gaz met local producer, songwriter and musician Danny Yates, which led to him recording sessions at Danny’s own City Sound Studios in Bradford.

Danny said: “We got to work on the Keep It Real EP, and were determined to try new ideas to bring out the best in each track.

“We also experimented with new sounds – Gaz playing harmonicas and keyboards and myself with strings and drum parts.

“I suggested Gaz should release his EP on his own label, resulting in the creation of Dead Reyt Records.”

The EP includes three tracks, and is due for release on September 23 via i-tunes. In addition, Gaz will be filming a music video that will feature on YouTube and on Dead Reyt Records’ Facebook page.

Gaz and Danny have already started work on a second EP, which will be released in early 2014. This will see Gaz work with the music photographer and art worker Brain Cannon, who approached Gaz after reading a music review on the singer-songwriter.

Brain Cannon’s credits include album sleeves for Oasis, The Verve and Suede, as well as various Northern Soul and Motown work.