A KEIGHLEY school teacher who is also a successful chart-topping musician is releasing a new solo album.

James Atkin, who teaches music at Holy Family Catholic School, was a member of EMF, topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with the single Unbelievable.

He enjoyed platinum-selling album successes, received an Ivor Novello nomination for his songwriting and toured the world many times over.

Now, following on from two successful solo album launches with A Country Mile and The Party Faithful, Mr Atkin is returning for a third solo outing, with Popcorn Storm.

A spokesman for his newest collection of work said: “Almost two years in the making, James has been putting in the hours at his home studio, fine-tuning tracks and shaping an album that flows from start to finish.

“His work shows he has come on a long way from the first two solo albums, both in songwriting and producing.

“While it is not a concept album as we know it, James has managed to mould it all into one continuous theme.”

Mr Atkin is probably best known for his music as EMF’s frontman and the voice behind the chart topping 1990s hit Unbelievable, but he has remained active in the music scene ever since.

He has performed in various guises with acts such as Bentley Rhythm Ace, Beauty School, Cooler and Asbo Kid.

He eventually settled down for a quieter life as a Keighley music teacher at Holy Family. He has been at this school for more than nine years, teaching GCSE and A-level music to youngsters.

The spokesman added: “Working solo on the album from writing to production has given James the scope to craft something in his own unique style.

“He has gone back down the electronic path to what he loves most – using old school drum machines and analogue synths while still keeping things song-based with his distinct mix of vocals, melodies and hooks.”

Popcorn Storm is available to pre-order now on CD and digital download exclusively through jamesatkinmusic.com with the official release set for April 21.