Music
How are you feeling about the success of 'Number One'?
"I'm just really happy I made such a good song with Dappy from N-Dubz and we want it to reach as many people as possible. After working with him it felt like we'd known each other for ages. We just connected and we relate to a lot of the same things."
How have things changed for you since the turn of the year?
"I'm living the same, but work-wise it's much more hectic. When 'Take Me Back' got to number three I didn't know how to react - I never thought that many people liked it!"
Have you splashed out on any new bling?
"Anything that I want I've already got or am getting. I'm thinking about a new car and maybe some new jewellery - I'll definitely get another pinky ring and a new chain. I'm not really a watch type of guy but I've seen a couple I like too."
What's it like being recognised on the street?
"It's mad to an extent, but now it's getting quite normal, which in itself actually feels quite weird. I actually come out expecting to be recognised. I don't really get papped a lot though, which is maybe because they don't like the area I'm in! I don't go to enough celebrity parties either yet - I will get involved now though."
Do you enjoy all the attention you get from the ladies?
"Yeah, I always knew that came with it but I've had it for a while now. I think you enjoy it more depending on the type of girl you go for. I don't like the sort of girls who jump on you because of who you are."
What is your type?
"My type is my number one who I've got already. When it comes down to having a type though, you're only drawn in by looks at first. When you get to know someone it's about who they are, but I don't like someone who moans or has too much to say."
You're on tour with N-Dubz at the moment. How's it going?
"It's going good - every date has sold out and the shows have been amazing. Before we started the tour we were unsure whether we should even perform 'Number One' straight away, but we did it from the first night and the reaction was mad."
Do you normally have a big party after coming off stage?
"We normally just chill. Most of the time we're in different hotels. I think our managers planned it like that so we wouldn't cause a lot of chaos. It's cool though, definitely a lot of fun. We're going to go out all together after one of the dates - loads of drinks, good music, females! When I go out I have nothing to do with the mic or the DJ and I just want to enjoy myself."
N-Dubz have described themselves as the voice of a generation. Do you agree?
"I guess in their own right they are. What they do and where they come from is unique. They all grew up together and have that style and bond that people can relate to. They've proven their talent by the amount they're selling."
How's your new album coming along?
"I'm now in the stage of picking which songs I want and which ones I'll leave out. I recorded more than 30 songs, so I'll have to cut out half of them. It's all going to sound a bit like the singles but it will also be different if that makes sense! There are some songs that explain what I've been going through and others that are more experimental. When you over-think an album it can sometimes make it hard for people to relate to it."
How have your old grime fans reacted to your recent success?
"Obviously some people have accused me of changing my sound, but what you have to understand is that I just make music that I enjoy. When I go to the studio I don't think about whether it will be grimey or commercial. I just make whatever comes. I still record grime songs so the best of those will make it on the album if they match up with the overall sound of it."
Can we expect any more collaborations from you?
"Not right now, but I've done some tracks with Frankmusik and worked with some different producers for the album. I need to get some girls to work with - that's one thing I definitely need. I like Lady GaGa and she has a sound I could probably work with. I think she could relate to my style too because Americans have turned over to the European sound so she'd understand where I'm coming from."
'Number 1' by Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz is out now.
