Feisty three-piece melodic rock band The Ditch (pictured), last year's GBOB Challenge world finalists and winners of the Belgian national final, have been snapped up by Sony BMG. They are the first band in Belgium to be signed to a so-called 360° deal (such as Madonna signed with Live Nation) which sees the record company involved in all aspects of the artist's career from live performance to recording and merchandise to publishing.

It shows that Sony BMG are taking a long-term interest in The Ditch, whose GBOB live performance had already brought them to the attention of top producer Werner Pensaert (U2, Rammstein etc.). Their first single, "Far Away" is released on June 30 and will be available on iTunes etc. Check it out at www.myspace.com/theditchrock