SOULFUL Scottish singer songwriter Paolo Nutini has been announced as the fifth headliner for this summer's Eden Sessions. He and his band will take to the stage in front of the space-age biomes on Tuesday, July 13.

Rich-toned Paolo has come a long way since his swift rise to fame as a 19-year-old with the release of his astonishingly accomplished debut album These Streets – which went quadruple platinum and spawned the deliciously plaintive love song Last Request, along with singles New Shoes, Rewind, and Jenny Don't Be Hasty.

Last year's follow-up Sunny Side Up demonstrated a fascinating progression from that passionate teen angst. This new collection of diverse and quirky, uplifting, folk-fuelled material went straight to number one in the charts and cemented the Paisley boy's respect and potential for longevity in an industry known for devouring its young stars.

Unafraid to branch into the unexpected, he is a wildcard who seems to thrive on simply making music, shunning the bright glare of the media spotlight. He doesn't like to talk – his gritty accent is pretty hard to decipher anyway – he'd much rather sing, adopting the endearing stance of eyes tight shut or directed at his shoes.

Tracks like the exuberant Pencil Full of Lead and the heart-wrenching Candy helped to earn Paolo nominations for both British Male Solo Artist and British Album at this year's Brit Awards.

A fairly late starter as a singer and guitarist, Paolo – now 23 – quickly caught the bug and has been working in the industry since leaving school at 16, including stints as a roadie and studio engineer.

As a result, he has shown an understanding of live performance that belies his age and Atlantic Records recognised his potential early, signing him just after his 18th birthday in 2005.

The show at Eden will mark a welcome return to the Westcountry for Paolo, who marked his early success with 2007 gigs at Exeter's Great Hall, Plymouth Pavilions and the Boardmasters festival at Newquay.

Eden Sessions creative director Tjarko Wieringa says: "We're proud to announce Paolo's appearance at this year's Eden Sessions – another fantastic coup! With five announcements behind us, we have some of the best, most high-profile artists in the world already on the bill and there will be more exciting announcements to come."

Paolo's show adds to an already meaty summer line-up at Eden which features Jack Johnson (June 26 – sold out), Mika (June 27), Doves and Mumford & Sons (July 2 – sold out) and Calvin Harris and Audio Bullys (July 3).

The Sessions are famed not only for bringing top acts to Cornwall but also for their festival feel, with extra bands and entertainers playing around the site in the run-up to the main event. Massage and alternative therapies will also be showcased around Eden on the day of each Session.

Tickets for the Paolo Nutini Eden Session go on general release at 6pm on Tuesday, March 23 at £35 plus booking fee. Call the Eden box office on 01726 811972 or visit www.edensessions.com.