After hitting the big time with rock/metal band The Darkness, founder and lead singer Justin Hawkins has gone back to his financial roots.
He has returned to chartered accountant Michael Meakin, managing partner and head of the sport and entertainment unit at Clement Keys in Birmingham, for advice on his first solo project.
Justin's new single is a cover of the Sparks classic This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us and quickly found its way on to the play list at Radio One.
It was officially released on August 15 and went straight into the top ten.
The single is taken from Justin's first solo album, which will be released under the artist name British Whale and is due out early next year.
Mr Meakin, who looks after financial planning, taxation compliance and auditing for members of The Darkness, specialises in working with people in sport, the media and the entertainment industry.
He advised on the publishing deal for Justin's solo album, which Justin performed, recorded and produced himself during breaks from making the new Darkness album.
" When we first began working together Justin made it very clear that he wanted to keep solo material entirely separate from his highly successful work with The Darkness and was therefore delighted to clinch a worldwide exclusive publishing deal with Warner/Chappell," said Mr Meakin.
"While Justin remains committed to The Darkness, the publishing arrangement for his solo projects is open ended, giving him the opportunity to write for other artists in the long term."
Justin, who says he had written most of his solo album in demo form before The Darkness took off and has only now had chance to finish it, has plans to tour with brother and guitarist Dan.
"This is a really exciting time for Justin, who is a prolific writer, especially since the word is that his solo material will surprise fans because it features a lot of different approaches, including bluegrass and reggae," said Mr Meakin.
