Michael Cresswell, who goes by the stage name Michael-Jay, was discovered by Wildoats Records after they heard his music on his MySpace page.

But Michael, who won't reveal his real age, says he will not be donning a cowboy hat, despite Nashville's reputation for country and western.

"My music is very acoustic in nature with a bit of a real country feel," he said.

"It's very much along the lines of James Morrison, James Blunt and Michael Buble."

Growing up in Blyth, Michael was a member of Backworth Drama Group before studying music and performing arts at Newcastle College.

He spent eight years on the Greek island of Kavos where he became known as one of the top DJs in Europe, winning numerous awards.

Five years ago Michael moved to France to concentrate 100 per cent on his first love of writing and performing, buying a house with a studio in Le Mans.

And over the last two years he has worked with many famous artists and studios, including X-Factor finalists Ray Quinn and Journey South.

Michael was recently commissioned to write the official anthem for the French football team Le Mans FC and the Le Mans 24-hour rally, and the song is played in front of around 17,000 fans during games.

It was recorded in London and produced by Leona Lewis producers Red Rhythm and will be released in France later this year.

And this week Michael will be flying out to Nashville, Tennessee, to record an 11-track album, accompanied by some of the best musicians around who have worked with greats including Jonny Cash and Nashville resident Bob Dylan.

"They said they loved my music, so I travelled out there and they offered me an album deal," Michael said.

"I'm going back to spend April there to record an 11-track album, and on April 8, I will be performing before a 25,000-strong audience as part of a festival.

"I'm a little bit nervous but very excited, it will be a fantastic opportunity and I'm starting to get used to the idea.

"It's the biggest place in the world for music, I had a choice between signing with Wildoats and EMI France, but there was no competition."

The album will be released later in the year and will be followed by a French tour.

To check out Michael's music visit www.myspace.com/officialmichaeljay