A world record holder with a staggering vocal range is selling shares in her band to pay for their first album.

Martamaria Kupeczik got into the Guinness Book of Records in 2002 after discovering she could sing all the notes between the top of the male bass and highest female colatura - one and a half octaves more than the average person.

Martamaria, of Robinson Road, Colliers Wood, said: "It's a born ability. But I only use it when the music calls for it. It's not nice for the audience if you're just showing off."

Now the 26-year-old Hungarian is putting her vocal talents to use as the singer for the band Achilla, and has eschewed the traditional hunt for a record label.

The three-piece has signed up to the website Sellaband, which sells shares in the band at $10 apiece.

Their aim is to make $50,000 by selling 5,000 shares, which will give them enough money to make their album in a professional studio.

After just three weeks on the site, Achilla had sold 75 shares.

Martamaria said: "This site is revolutionary. My family and friends bought them at first, but very quickly it grew.

"After the first day, I realised that a 30-year-old girl from the Netherlands had bought one, and a 60-year-old man from America. They just love the music and want to be part of it. They can tell us what they like and don't like, and can influence us."

The band hails from Hungary, Britain and the UK and describes their sound as heavy metal with a world music influence.

Martamaria came to England three years ago to study music, and has found the move invaluable for her career.

She said: "I wouldn't have been able to dream of being in an international band in Hungary. I couldn't have asked for a guitar player who could also play the sitar."

To buy a share in the band, see www.sellaband.com/achillamusic