"I wanted to look at everything with a clear view, with no preconceived ideas and listen to the music and talk to the artists and see where their vision is," he said.

"Virgin Records is about great individual talent in any genre - we have new records by The Kooks, Professor Green and Laura Marling - but it's just as much about new artists coming through.

"Emeli is an incredibly talented new artist and songwriter. I don't think there is ...