Tinchy Stryder

It's been a whirlwind 12 months in the Tinchy Stryder camp to say the least. Since the breakthrough success of 'Take Me Back' in January, he's notched up two chart-topping singles ('Number One', 'Never Leave You') and seen his Catch 22 album go gold. We caught up with the compact rapper as he prepares to release 'You're Not Alone', an electropop stomper based on the '90s dance classic of the same name.

How did the new single come about?
"I was in the studio and wanted to make a track with a sample in it. We were going through a few ideas and that one came up. It was the best-known of the songs that was suggested and I knew immediately it was the right one to go with. I wanted an upbeat vibe for the track and it worked just as I wanted it to."

Olive told us recently that they wanted you to return the favour and collaborate with them. Would you consider it?
"Definitely. I heard about that the other day and I'd definitely do something with them. I've not had any direct contact, but when they get in touch we'll make it happen."

You've already had two No.1 singles this year. Is it important to get another one?
"Yeah, it's definitely nice to get a No.1, but when the album's out the songs are already available to download, so it's less likely. The track's been around the chart for quite a while now but I'd still like to see it go top ten."

Do you think illegal downloading has a big impact on your sales?
"Yeah, because a lot of people still download music illegally and loads of them probably don't think it's wrong. Some young people know all the sites where music is available free and that definitely affects sales."

Have you ever downloaded songs illegally yourself?
"I used to always get mixtapes and CDs made for me by my mates or by my older brother. But I wasn't really someone who was on the internet a lot when I was younger, so I wasn't really a downloading sort of guy."

Your album Catch 22 reached number two. You must be pretty pleased?
"Yeah man, it's going good. Where I come from, having a gold album is a big achievement and I'm just pushing on forward now."

Were you annoyed when Calvin Harris beat you to the top?
"It was all healthy competition. He's a cool guy and I said congratulations to him when he got to No.1. To have a number two album is a big enough thing for me, but obviously having a No.1 is the thing that everyone wants. Maybe next time I'll challenge him again and beat him."

Can you imagine collaborating with him in the future?
"I love his beats and his style of music. He knows what he wants and what he's doing, which is always key when you're working with someone. One day we'll definitely be doing something together."

Have you heard from Amelle Berrabah since she was admitted to a private clinic?
"Yeah, I spoke to her not long ago and she's alright, she's recovering. She just needs some time to chill out after everything that's happened."

Were you surprised when Keisha was axed from Sugababes?
"Yeah, 'cause I was away on holiday and got confused over who really left. At first they were saying it was Amelle. The last time I saw them together it was all good. We were out celebrating 'Never Leave You' making No.1 and Keisha came along, so it must have been a problem in-house."

Do you think they'll still be around in a year's time?
"I don't see why not. They've changed a few times before, so I think they'll do good."

Have you decided on the next single from the album yet?
"I'm not too sure yet. I was thinking the other day that it might not be wise to flood the market with too many singles. I'm probably going to shoot a couple more videos to please the fans and start working on the new stuff."

You walked away with nothing at the MOBOs last month. Are you hoping for better luck at the Brits next year?
"Hopefully! If I get nominated for the Brits that's something big for me. And if I do, hopefully I'll be more successful than at the MOBOs. The most annoying part of that was that it seemed quite political. I got nominated for three but didn't win anything - I think there was something wrong there."

Tinchy's single, 'You're Not Alone', and album, Catch 22, are both out now.