Back in December we introduced to you the unsigned MAPS, also known as London native James Chapman. As a matter of fact, our own Matt DuFour claimed, “If his Start Something EP is any indication of what this talented up and coming artist is capable of, MAPS will be no stranger to more than a few ‘Best Of 2007′ year end lists. And yes, I’m calling that now, I don’t care if I haven’t even completed my own ‘Best Of 2006′ list yet!”

Apparently some other people agreed with us as MAPS have just inked a deal with Mute in the US. His debut LP for the label will be We Can Create and should hit on June 19. Chapman recorded the album without computers in his Northamptonshire bedroom on a 16 track recorder, and it was co-produced by Valgeir Sigurdsson (Bjork, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy) and mixed by Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros, Hope Of The States). Mute will also release his To The Sky EP digitally on May 22.

MAPS

MySpace

1. I’m From Barcelona Ink Deal With Mute
2. Maps To Play A Few US Dates
3. Video – Maps “To The Sky”
4. Videos – Valgeir Sigurdsson “Behind The Scenes”
5. Liars Ink Deal With Mute / Blast First, Fool Polygraph