Former Westlifer Shane Filan has signed a recording contract with UK-based London Records.
Traditionally speaking, musicians looking to move from a successful pop group to a solo career have yielded mixed results and for every Robbie Williams there are a whole slew of Gary Barlows. Filan, however, was arguably the best vocalist in one of the most successful pop acts of the last 15 years and if anyone can make the transition it'll likely be him.
Filan said of his new deal: "I am so excited to be joining London Records, Universal Music and being back in the studio in London and Nashville recording new songs has been amazing. One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I've been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I'm so excited for people to hear them."
Louis Walsh also commented in typically enthusiastic fashion: "This is a fantastic deal for Shane, we are thrilled to be part of the team at London Records."
This will no doubt be welcome news to Filan, who has been undergoing some well-publicised money troubles recently.
Filan intends to release his debut solo record before the end of 2013.
