After months languishing on a beach in St Lucia, Amy Winehouse has made her first confident step back into the music business. The 24-year-old singer's own record label, Lioness, is set to release its first album — recorded by one of Amy's backing singers, Zalon. Amy will also feature on the album, which has been co-produced by Mark Ronson.

It is an amazing turn around for the Back To Black singer, not least because Ronson had vowed not to work with her again after a collaboration for Bond film Quantum Of Solace collapsed last year. And Wino's own “comeback” gig at the St Lucia Jazz Festival in May was met by a jeering crowd and an international critical panning.

Music plans: Amy Winehouse's record label, Lioness, is on track to release its first album

A source said: “Zalon recorded material with Amy in St Lucia, where he flew to support her during her comeback gig. Mark also worked hard on the album when he was in London earlier this month.”

Amy has kept quiet about Lioness, which she launched in January this year for a reported £1m. The only known signing is her 13-year-old goddaughter Dionne Bromfield (who, by the way, is also featuring on Zalon's album).

Our source said: “As well as singing on a number of songs on Back To Black, Zalon has performed with Mariah Carey, Joss Stone, and Black Eyed Peas in the past. Amy has often described Zalon as her rock', and at gigs and on tour it's normally been Zalon who's supported her and kept
her sane, so he's a natural choice for her to sign."

But not everything's back on track for the troubled singer. Staff at the Cotton Bay resort, where Wino has been staying, have reportedly said “no, no, no” to her swimming in the pool — for fears the binge-drinking star might drown.