WHEN Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey decided to start a record label, he didn't think twice before deciding who he'd sign as his first act: a Bermudian singer-songwriter with an enviable musical pedigree.

The actor has signed reggae artist Mishka – born Mishka Frith, and the brother of Bermudian songstress Heather Nova – to his fledgling record label 'j.k.livin'.

Mr. McConaughey has announced that Mishka's forthcoming album, which the actor himself co-produced, will be released on February 17.

His co-producer was Atlanta musician Daryl Thompson, who has worked with well-known reggae acts Sly & Robbie and Peter Tosh.

The actor, perhaps best known for his role in the iconic slacker film Dazed and Confused, told the Los Angeles Times' music blog that it was Mishka's music that inspired him to branch out from films and his clothing line to start a record label.

"I originally started it as a platform to get Mishka's music to the masses . . . in my mind, the music was too good not to be heard," Mr. McConaughey told the L.A.Times.

On Mishka's own web site, he describes the events leading up to his signing: "During a performance one evening, actor Matthew McConaughey heard the music from where he was staying. He went down the next day to find out who had been performing the night before, saw the flyer, and then started to search Mishka out. Mishka soon became the first artist signed to McConaughey's label j.k. livin' Records."

Bermuda-born Mishka will be touring in the US as soon as his new album Above The Bones is released later this month, playing venues including the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles and Seattle's Nectar Lounge.