Paolo Nutini

In much the same way that José González hails from Sweden and not Spain, Paolo Nutini is not a smooth Italian pop star, but rather a soul-influenced adult alternative songwriter from Paisley, Scotland.

Raised in a music-loving family, he grew up listening to a range of folk, opera, jazz, and his father's R&B favorites.

Shortly after discovering homegrown folkies like John Martyn, the teenaged Nutini left school to focus on his own musical development, eventually moving from Paisley to London at age 16 and garnering attention via local gigs.

He inked a deal with the British arm of Atlantic Records two years later, just several weeks after his 18th birthday. Working with Coldplay and Badly Drawn Boy producer Ken Nelson, Nutini generated an impressive amount of buzz before his first single, "Last Request," was released in the early summer of 2006.

He appeared at special Atlantic Records showcases at Carnegie Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as showcase sets opening for the Rolling Stones and Paul Weller.

Nutini's debut album, These Streets, was ultimately released in July 2006 alongside his second single, "Jenny Don't Be Hasty." The album fared quite well in the U.K., where it climbed to double-platinum status and sent four singles into the Top 40.

Accordingly, an American release followed in January 2007.

For Paolo Nutini's second album, the songwriter took a more active role in the production, partnering with Ethan Johns but helming much of the material himself.

The resulting record, Sunny Side Up, appeared in June 2009, featuring increased contributions from Nutini's backing band and a bright, sprightly disposition.

~ Stewart Mason, Rovi

Paolo Nutini is planning to team up with The View singer Kyle Falconer with a new album - if they can ever find the time to enter the studio together.

(BANG) -

Paolo Nutini is writing an album with Kyle Falconer.

The 'Candy' singer admits he and The View frontman - who he previously worked with on the group's track 'Covers' - are desperate to record together but are struggling to find the time.

He said: "I've always talked about sitting down to do something with Kyle from The View but we never seem to be in the same place at the same time. We'll get that done though, I'm sure we'll be able to tie each other down eventually."

The Scottish star has also offered to write a song for Plan B after learning the singer-and-rapper is a big fan of his work.

He told BANG Showbiz: "Plan B's doing really well, he's had a complete transformation and he carries it well. I'd give him one of my songs, sure. I've got a couple I think I could give him.

"I'm open-minded about working with anyone."

Paolo Nutini - who is up for a BRIT award - said he doesn't make music in order to win trophies.

(BANG) -

Paolo Nutini claims he doesn't make music to win awards.

The Scottish singer - whose second album, 'Sunny Side Up' went straight to the top of the charts when it was released last June and returned to the number one slot twice this year - has been nominated for a BRIT but he says the awards aren't really that important to him.

He said: "It's nice to get the nominations, but I don't write songs to win awards. I'll enjoy myself at the BRITs, and if I win something, all the better."

The 23-year-old Scot - who is also nominated for best British male alongside Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris, Mika and Robbie Williams - said he couldn't explain why his music had suddenly become so popular again.

He said: "I'm not sure why it's become such a big hit again. Maybe it didn't register with people at first."

If he doesn't win at the BRITs or continue with a successful music career, the singer joked he could always join the families chip shop business.

He said: "My parents never stood in my way. Dad gave me the impression that the shop would always be there for me to fall back on."

'Pencil Full of Lead' singer Paolo Nutini thinks Mick Jagger is a ''force of nature'' following their mouth-stretching competition at a music festival.

(BANG) -

Paolo Nutini thinks Mick Jagger is a "force of nature".

The 'Pencil Full of Lead' singer was thrilled to duet with the legendary Rolling Stones frontman at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007 but admits they did not take the event seriously because they were too busy having a competition to see who had the most stretchy lips.

He joked: "Yeah, that was a biggie. Just to see who could get their mouth furthest around the microphone! Seriously, though, he's something else. He was a force of nature.

"He's that perfect mix between a hard-working musician and a live wire animal."

Although his second LP 'Sunny Side Up' - which was released in May this year - went straight to the top of the UK album charts, the Scottish musician remains modest about his success.

He told BBC News: "Well, I think the moment you become proud you're leaving yourself open for a big reality check. There's always somebody better - or somebody that's achieved more. You've always got something to reach for."

Paolo's new single 'Pencil Full of Lead' is out on November 2.