Journey frontman Arnel Pineda is embarking on a solo album amid rumours former rocker Steve Perry is set for a return to the band.

The Filipino singer rose to superstardom when guitarist Neal Schon spotted Pineda on YouTube.com performing with a Journey tribute band, and decided to hire him in 2007.

Now Pineda is ready to show the world his own original music with his first solo album in the U.S. due to hit shelves later this year (14).

He reveals, "Even though I am still with Journey and we are touring, I am also working on my original materials and I am also recording them", adding he aims to launch the album this year.

While Perry recently revealed he and Schon are in talks to reunite the classic line-up, Pineda denies the rocker is returning to the group but says he's willing to step down as the frontman if need be.

Pineda admits, "If that happens, I'd be more than happy to give way. As long as they need me I will be there, I'm never gonna quit on them."