Nelly Furtado signed local outfit Fritz Helder & the Phantoms to her Nelstar company. (Dave Abel, Sun Media Files)

Singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado has signed her first act, Toronto's electro-pop quartet Fritz Helder & the Phantoms, to her new music company, Nelstar.

The group's album, Greatest Hits, will be released on July 7 in North America via Last Gang Records' Last Gang Labels represented by Universal in Canada and Fontana/Universal in the U.S.

Their first single -- due to be released this spring -- will be Lagerfield Lady, an ode to fashion icon Karl Lagerfield. The video can be watched at the group's website fritzhelder.com.

"I've been thinking about a way to help Fritz Helder for a while and this venture grew out of my love for the band, their art and their work ethic. I am as committed as they are to bringing their creativity to the world," said Furtado.

Fritz Helder & the Phantoms started out as a dance troupe choreographed by Helder, have appeared with Furtado on tour, and have also worked alongside Lady Gaga, Dragonette and Semi-Precious Weapons.

"We love Nelly and this new partnership is a very exciting opportunity for us. It's empowering to work with a combination of people who believe in our project and are willing to help us see it through," said Helder, the group's main vocalist, in a press release.

Fritz Helder & the Phantoms will close fashion week in Toronto with a special live performance at Top of The Burroughes on March 21. Tix, $25 are available online at automatt.net.