Rising from pirate radio, grime star Tinchy Stryder's sophomore album, Catch 22, was an instant hit when it was released in August '09. Tinchy took time out to chat to us about his music, collaborations and reveals a sporting talent
Q: You've already had hits collaborating with N-Dubz, Amelle and Taio Cruz. The single You're Not Alone (sampling the 90s classic by Olive) is more about you. Do you prefer working with others or claiming the limelight?
A: I've been writing since I was 13 and done loads of tracks by myself so I like working by myself but I like collaborating because when you're collaborating it brings different ideas to the table. Also, it depends what song it is. Everything's got its place. I enjoy a bit of both. When something's for you, then you bring your feelings to the track. When you work with other people, then two heads come together. It works good both ways.
Q: For the War Child single, you worked alongside people like VV Brown, Pixie Lott and Frankmusik who have very different music styles and music backgrounds to yours. How did you find that?
A: We were covering a Killers track and everyone was influencing it with their style of singing or rapping or whatever. It was good fun and there was a good vibe in the studio.
Q: Have you got your sights set on working with anyone else?
A: Not right now. I'm more a person that when I'm in the studio I might have an idea for a track and then think that someone's voice will suit it so I'll reach out to them. I grew up listening to a lot of Jay-Z. Hes someone I respect musically, so he would be a dream collaboration.
Q: Speaking of dreams, you've managed to achieve yours and become a successful artist. If you hadn't, what would you have ended up doing?
A: I'd have been a footballer. I used to play for Wimbledon Academy youth team when I was younger, so that was the other thing that I was doing and then I got sidetracked. But maybe one day!
Interview by Colin Gentry
Click here to listen to Tinchy Stryder's Guest DJ set on the Monkey website.
