SINGER-songwriter Rob Richings is taking the next step in his musical career after securing a record deal with Crescent records.

The 34-year-old from Old Town, whose musical ambition was revitalised after overcoming a serious bowel condition, will release his debut EP, Half Way Up, on July 13.

On Wednesday, he will tour the UK showcasing his sound supporting Tom Baxter, while later in the summer Rob will fly to Sydney, Australia, to record the album with the producer of legendary folk-rock singer, Passenger.

"I've always been a fan of Tom Baxter and I never thought I would have the opportunity to tour with him, so it's very exciting and we're all looking forward to it," said Rob.

"We sound quite similar to Passenger so I think that's why he was interested to work with us.

"It's taken such a long time to all come together because it's an investment deal, which means I keep the rights to all my songs.

"The music industry is really cut-throat, it's so difficult to get into, it's really exciting that we've been signed."

Rob's journey to success started in earnest several years ago after surviving a five-year battle with a rare and severe form of colitis - Ulcerative Colitis - in which he underwent three life-saving and life-changing operations.

In 2009, after years of gigging with a local band and writing songs while working as a decorator, Rob was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of colitis that almost proved fatal.

The disease causes inflammation of the bowels, which caused Rob to have severe stomach pains and the condition was so bad it caused a tumour which was only detected when Rob went in for surgery.

“After my illness I just realised music was something I really wanted to do and I wanted to really make a go of it. It just helped me realise what was important," said Rob.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that my illness has spurred me on and helped me write better songs.

“I’m in a real hot spot at the moment, constantly coming up with new songs and ideas for songs.

“A brush with death that close certainly puts things in perspective, but I’m alive with ideas and I’ve recovered well so I can expect to lead a relatively normal life. Every day I feel so incredibly fortunate to be here at all and it’s that sense that is coming out in the songs I’m writing.

“But ever since my diagnosis I’ve been alive with ideas, really positive and I’ve recovered well so I can expect to lead a relatively normal life. Every day I feel so incredibly fortunate to be alive and it’s that sense that is coming out in the songs I’m writing."

The EP boasts four songs, all of which aim to paint pictures and much as they tell stories.

“I love the way I can see or hear an artist like Damien Rice perform and I’m instantly immersed in the stories in his lyrics," Rob said.

"I still have a band that I go out and gig with, which I love doing, but these days I’m confident enough in my songs to strip everything back and let the lyrics do the work.

“For me it’s all about communicating with an audience, presenting my songs and drawing them in, it’s very direct. There are no affectations in the way I sing, I just sing the songs the only way I know how.”

For more information about Rob visit www.robrichings.com.