One senior A&R source has described the current U.K. music market as the "quietest it's been for years." Nonetheless, two artists have signed major deals on the east side of the pond this last week, with an addition to the roster of Ted Cockle’s Virgin EMI, while Guy Moot’s Sony/ATV is publishing a new producer/writer.

Virgin A&R Director Glyn Aikins is the man looking after rapper Sneakbo, who’s managed by Climax Management. The young London artist has already had Top 50 success independently with singles “The Wave” (which helped him dodge a jail sentence), “Zim Zimma” and “Ring a Ling.”

Lastly, electronic solo artist, producer and writer Tone, signed to Mistajam’s Speakerbox label, has been scouted by Sony/ATV U.K. Head of A&R for David Ventura and VP A&R Daniel Lloyd-Jones.

While there may be grumblings over a lack of exciting new acts (and huge hype being built around those that show an inkling of potential), as the saying goes, there's always calm before a storm.