Interviews & Reviews, Latest News, Live Fest 2011

Interview with Tinchy Stryder

Chart-topping rap superstar Tinchy Stryder talks to Live and Unsigned ahead of Live Fest

Tinchy Stryder talks to Live and Unsigned ahead of a busy summer for with London’s biggest indoor festival Live Fest on the horizon and his new single Spaceship, a collaboration with Dappy from N-Dubz, about to hit the charts. Tinchy took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Live and Unsigned about the festival.

So Live Fest, are you looking forward to it?

Yeah man, it will be brilliant. It’s exciting to be playing The O2 for Live Fest. It doesn’t feel like work, it’s really exciting.

To play The O2, must always give you a real buzz?

Yeah exciting, I remember the first time I ever played there it was an amazing experience. It’s one of the best venues in the world. I supported Usher there and it was incredible. I always look forward to playing there.

There’s an amazing urban line-up, it should be a brilliant day, shouldn’t it?

There’s so many top urban acts there. I’ve not done anything with Roll Deep for a while so I hope I get to hang out with them. N-Dubz are great live so yeah, it’ll be good.

I suppose you’ve got many friends still amongst Roll Deep?

Yeah I grew up with them they were always around. I hope I can stick around and hang out with them.

So your new single Spaceship is out. It’s a collaboration with Dappy from fellow Live Fest headliners N-Dubz. You’ve worked with Dappy a lot but how often have you shared a stage with him?

Not really at all. I’ve only ever been in the studio with Dappy so it’s exciting to be on the bill with him at Live Fest. I’ve supported N-Dubz on tour and they’re great live. Well worth seeing.

Might we see the two of you perform Spaceship on the day?

Yeah definitely. It’s what I’m pushing at the moment so it’s only right we do it as we’re on the same bill at Live Fest!

How did you get spotted? What was your big break?

Me and some friends just used to get our stuff out there as much as possible, starting on pirate radio and working our way up to the bigger commercial stations. Then people started to ask for mix cd’s and it all happened from there. It was all down to hard work though.

What advice would you give to unsigned acts competing in the final?

I’ve always said from when I was coming up, you’ve got to believe in yourself and work hard. I don’t say try and be unique because we’re all unique. No two people are born the same but you have to be natural on stage and be yourself. You have to be determined and be willing to work hard.

Don’t miss Tinchy Stryder at Live Fest on July 23rd www.livefest.co.uk

Tags: Tinchy Stryder