The scheme, which allows fans to buy a financial interest in artists' album releases, is being launched by Civilian Industries, a new company founded by music industry lawyer Andrew Lewis and developed in conjunction with The Vinyl Factory.

Unsigned artists wanting to raise funds through Bandstocks will be assessed by a team of established music industry experts, including B-Unique founders Mark Lewis and Martin Toher.

Bandstocks come in £10 units. Investors' money is held in a separate trust account until ...