Guy Ritchie to launch record label

British director Guy Ritchie is now launching his own record label.

London: British director Guy Ritchie, who made his name with crime capers like `Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels` and `Snatch`, is now launching his own record label.

The 41-year-old filmmaker who doubles up as a guitarist has set up Punchbowl Recordings, named after his London nightclub and his first signing is his pub`s resident outfit, `The Punchbowl Band`, a news website reported. "It`s exciting to venture into the music industry. It`s a tough place but I`ve seen this band connect with people. They have every chance of being embraced by a wider audience," Ritchie said. From Prince William, singer Cheryl Cole, pop stars like Justine Timberlake and Sting to Jude Law who acts in his latest film `Sherlock Holmes, a host of celebrities have tapped a foot to the band`s traditional Irish tinkering. "Jamming with the guys was the best fun I have ever had without a woman!," Timberlake said. The Punchbowl band has now also been booked by Stella McCartney and actor Robert Downey Jr for private gigs. PTI