HE may be studying hard in his third year at university but Appleton singer-songwriter Josh Healey is already eyeing up an American takeover after signing a publishing deal.

Now studying English literature with a minor in German, at Aberdeen University, the 21-year-old has already shot into 56th position of the singer-songwriter album charts, following the release of his second EP last week.

Josh, originally of Chiswick Gardens, hopes Lost, Found, & Lost Again can follow in the footsteps of first EP Lifeboats & Relationships which reached the heights of 28th place in the charts.

Having already got a national radio play on BBC Radio 6 Music as well as his recent deal, something special could well be on the horizon after the work of the last two years.

"The reason it has been two years since the last EP is because I really wanted to perfect it," said Josh.

"There was quite a bit of pressure on because of how well the first one did and so I had to take a bit of extra time.

"It has been a busy few weeks with the deal - I hope that they can possibly help me break through to an American market, that would be incredible."

Josh admits he does miss the Warrington lifestyle and wanted to give a special shout out to those that have supported him.

"I don't want to sound cliche but I can't thank my fans enough - they are probably getting tired of me saying that but I really appreciate it," he said.

"I really want my fans to enjoy the music that I am making, it is great for me when they do like it.

"Aberdeen does get quite grey so once a month I tent to come back. I do like the area and miss it at times."

The journey so far has been far from easy and Josh acknowledged he has been trying to shift priorities other than music to the forefront of his mind.

"I have started to make sure, more so now, that I do well in my studies. It can get difficult to find a balance but I am getting there," he added.