A SELF-CONFESSED "failed rock star" from Bolton is currently making waves across America with his very own radio show.

music mad Nigel Roberts has attracted 5,500 listeners since he began broadcasting on the internet just two weeks ago.

In that time, the 36-year-old has produced a couple of two-hour shows which have been aired on Sundays.

His show has become so popular that it looks set to run indefinitely.

Mr Roberts, who by day is a computer consultant and lives in Tonge Moor, was approached by web-based Future Now Radio after he sent them a demo of his talents.

The station's team immediately snapped him up and he now has aspirations to make it in Britain.

He said: "I concentrate on heavy metal music which I don't think is well represented on the radio in the UK.

"I used to run my own show on my own private website which was quite popular and helped me to build up contacts.

"But I never really believed I'd have thousands listening to me. It's quite an honour."

Mr Roberts pre-records his show at home, using his computer to mix CDs with interviews and chat.

He burns the result onto a CD-ROM and sends the package to New Jersey where the station adds its own jingles and inserts advertising.

But while he does not get paid for his work, he said he was proud to be show-casing new music to a large audience.

Technology

He said: "Music has always been my hobby and with the new technology around today it's very easy to get a radio programme up and running.

"I've built up a lot of contacts in a small space of time and maybe something big will come from it.

"The speed at which all this has happened has been a shock to say the least."

He will be interviewing popular thrash metal group, Slipknot, when they play in Manchester in a few weeks time.

He said: "It's something of a coup really because they don't often give interviews. It shows the sort of profile I've started to get."

The station -- which attracts 50,000 listeners a week -- can be accessed on

www.futurenowradio.com

It is owned by US Radio DJ Al Cocchi, who has worked on numerous US stations and hosted various music based television programmes. Nigel's show runs from 7pm to 9pm on Sundays.