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East Devon singer-songwriter Simon Bish has released an EP featuring two of his new songs.

Simon (whose real surname is Bishop) is best known as lead singer with Noise Annoys Simon but has decided to go it alone - for the time being at least - with his solo project.

The songs, Heart Shape Sky and Honey Hair, are a taster of more to come when he releases a mini-album in early 2009.

"I've got an album's worth of stuff - it's all written and ready to record in the New Year," said Simon, who lives in Tipton St John.

"I'm still doing stuff with the band, but I'm going down another avenue which is more acoustic. It's slower and more melodic - hopefully!

Simon's EP is a taster of a new album out in 2009

"The songs on the EP are really acoustic, but the seven or eight songs on the album are fuller, with violins and drums. But they are in the same sort of vein."

The EP features Simon on vocals, guitar, and tambourine, and Andy Fonda on backing vocals. The songs are recorded in Andy's studio, Off the Rails, and released on Simon's own record label, Pop Noise Records.

The label has previously released CDs by Noise Annoys Simon, Fat Battery, National Pastime, and Some Beans.

Further LP releases are due in 2009 from by Matt Stead, Noise Annoys Simon, Some Beans, and Fat Battery - as well as Simon's own album.

"Making records is totally a hobby," said Simon. "But it's a hobby which takes up a lot of time!"

Simon, 42, has been playing music in bands since he was in his 20s but spent some time away from it.

Now he's back - and thoroughly enjoying it: "I got back into it a couple of years ago so I still feel like I'm 27."

You can find out more about Simon by visiting his website and the Noise Annoys Simon website - both linked from this page. The sites have details of upcoming gigs in the area.

Click onto the audio link to listen to his song, Heart Shape Sky.