A PRESTON band is about to be catapulted into rock stardom after their demo tape was snapped up by a top US agent.

The five members of Treehouse 3 are hoping to sign a contract with artist management firm Triune Music at their gig in Preston's Adelphi on Saturday (June 10).

Los Angeles-based Triune -- who have top teen band Hanson and The Redwood Project on their books -- are jetting across the Atlantic for the gig, to see their new proteges in action.

They first contacted the lads -- drummer Mark from Preston, singer/guitarist Seamus from Whitestake, bass player Peter from Preston, guitarist/singer Frank from Chorley and keyboard player Stuart from Preston -- after they heard a copy of their EP 'Starting Line'.

The demo was recorded in New York after an A&R man from Atlantic Records heard a batch of their home-made CDs and invited them to lay down tracks at a recording studio in the Big Apple with Grammy-nominated producer Ted Wohlsen.

Wohlsen has worked with many top artists, including Madonna and The Fugees.

Band member Mark Whiteside said: "Someone from Triune had heard the EP we recorded with Ted Wohlsen. One of their representatives rang us last Monday and asked us if we wanted to sign a management deal with them.

"Of course we said yes, and they agreed to come to the Adelphi gig on Saturday to see us in action.

"We'll be on stage from about 9pm and the gig is free, so we're hoping plenty of people turn up to support us. This could be our big break."

Treehouse 3, who describe their music as a "rock version of the REM sound", have been together for three years.

They have performed all over the UK and have even had a support slot with Ocean Colour Scene vocalist Simon Fowler.

You can visit their website on www.th3.co.uk or e-mail them at treehouse_3@hotmail.com