HE enjoys nothing more than being by the sea and writing songs in a beach hut.But Matthew P, from Southwold, who until recently was working as a fencer, could be set for musical stardom after signing a recording deal with established label Fiction Records - the home to bands such as the Cure, Elbow and Snow Patrol.

HE enjoys nothing more than being by the sea and writing songs in a beach hut.

But Matthew P, from Southwold, who until recently was working as a fencer, could be set for musical stardom after signing a recording deal with established label Fiction Records - the home to bands such as the Cure, Elbow and Snow Patrol.

The 28-year-old was signed to the label last month, after years of writing songs and performing in bars.

But the laid-back singer-songwriter said he wouldn't be getting any big ideas.

He said he prefers his music to be basic and he even creates the videos himself - insisting it wouldn't be the same if it was all made on a big budget.

Matthew, who writes his songs in his bedroom and records in a beach hut in Southwold, was signed on October 28.

He said: 'My signing came at a time when I wasn't expecting it, I'd just moved back to Suffolk after spending a few years in Oxford and I was working as a fencer and writing songs whenever I could.

'But I guess that's the way the business should be - there are far too many golden handshakes in the industry.'

When he isn't recording, Matthew, who grew up in the town, spends most of his time putting up fences, taking long walks and surfing.

The singer, who could easily fall under the categories of folk, rock or pop, is about to embark on a UK tour and is also preparing for the release of his first EP, Swimming.

Swimming includes some acoustic versions of songs set to feature on the album, which is due early next year.

Matthew describes the new release as extremely 'stripped back' - featuring just his guitar and his brother playing piano.

The 28-year-old said: 'I think that the underlying message of most of my songs is that they are lined with a tinge of hope.

'I grew up here and so I guess a lot of my experiences here in Suffolk are reflected in my songs.

'I just love being by the sea - nothing seems to make sense if you're not near the sea.'

Fiction Records is an offshoot of major label Polydor Records and is home to the likes of The Maccabees, Elbow, White Lies and Snow Patrol.

Matthew described Fiction as being a cool indie label, which is almost like 'a naughty boy's bedroom'.

He is about to embark on an acoustic UK tour on November 29 in Norwich, where he will support Ian Broudie from the Lightning Seeds and James Walsh from Starsailor.

The debut EP, Swimming, is set to be released on January 25.

For more information on visit www.myspace.com/matthewpmusic.