U.K. SIGNINGS: THE RETURN OF JAMES ARTHUR

Universal and Sony in Blighty have signed a few new artists recently, one of which is a surprising comeback. In publishing news, Imagem and Bucks Music Group have tapped some successful writers.

James Arthur, 2012's U.K. X Factor winner, seemed to have been written off by British labels after being dropped by Simon Cowell’s Sony label Syco in 2014 following some ill-advised comments online. However, after signing a worldwide deal with Columbia in Germany earlier this month, his soulful comeback single, “Say You Won’t Let Go,” released on 9/09 and playlisted by Global's Capital, is currently #1 on the iTunes chart (at full price) and hit #25 on the Official Singles Chart on Friday. The success hasn't gone unnoticed: Cowell has re-signed him in the U.K., reports The Sun.

Arthur's debut single, “Impossible,” hit #1 on the U.K. charts, and has since sold more than 3.5m copies worldwide. His self-titled debut album hit #2. The follow-up, aptly titled Back From The Edge, is out later this year. Arthur is published by Guy Moot’s Sony/ATV and has new management in the James Grant Group’s Hall or Nothing division.

Elsewhere, London singer Joel Baker has signed with Ted Cockle’s UMG imprint Virgin EMI. A&R Director Glyn Aikins secured the deal. Baker is part of the Karma Artists family, and is co-managed by Archie Lamb. The deal is the first to be announced since Imagem and Karma formed a JV publishing partnership.

Virgin EMI celebrated the signing of Joel Baker with some pre-Brexit Champagne. Toasting the signing are, from left, co-manager Archie Lamb, Karma's Ross Gautreau, Virgin EMI's Glyn Aikins, Baker and Karma's Jordan Jay Blue.

Producer, songwriter and musician Troy Miller worked on Laura Mvula’s Mercury-nominated second album The Dreaming Room (RCA), and he’s written with Gregory Porter (Blue Note) and RCA's Rebecca Ferguson. Indie Bucks Music Group has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with him, secured by Creative Director Sarah Liversedge Platz.

And finally, former Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Imagem Music U.K. Since the end of Girls Aloud in 2013, Roberts has worked with Iggy Azalea, Melissa Steel, Gorgon City, The Invisible Men and Fred Ball. Her latest credit is for “Ghetto Boy” which will appear on Tinashe’s forthcoming album Joyride.