words: Megan Campbell
“It’s nuts,” is Tinchy Stryder’s official verdict on the astronomical success he’s been enjoying of late. The 22-year-old grime star is reflecting on an astonishing year and his imminent autumn tour; with single {Take Me Back} hitting number three in January and subsequent release {Number One} reaching – yes! – number one in April, 2009 has been all about Tinchy and the snowball shows no signs of slowing.
So how’s festival season been? “Yeah, I’ve been doing them all summer, it’s been fun,” Tinchy says. “There’s a different atmosphere, everyone’s ready to have a good time.” So far, so everyday-festival-goer, but then he adds, “I saw Lily Allen backstage at V and saw a bit of Dizzee’s set. His new song went down big.” Rubbing shoulders with Lily and first name terms with Mr Rascal? No leaky tent and lukewarm Pot Noodle for Tinchy, then. Although laid-back about his fame, he admits it’s all come as a bit of a shock. On his album, Catch 22, charting at number two, he says “it just felt so great. A few months ago I never would have imagined this happening.”
And the tour? “Yeah, it’s my first headline UK tour. It’s exciting, performing my new album – there are two songs I’ve not performed before and Amelle [Berrabah of the Sugababes, who appears on Stryder’s new single Never Leave You] is going to appear at a couple of the shows.”
Stryder’s not one to rest on his laurels, however. “I was asked to do the new War Child single to raise money for the charity. It was fun working with the other artists, it was more easy-going than usual recording,” he recalls. The War Child single, “I Got Soul”, also featuring Pixie Lott, N-Dubz and Frankmusik, is out later this month.
On fame again, though, Tinchy is philosophical. “The music’s still the most exciting part of it,” he says. “Nothing beats it – recording a song, hearing it finished. I’m still trying to get my head round [the attention]… but I’m taking it in my stride.”
The phrase couldn’t be more apt – it seems there isn’t much that Tinchy can’t fit in that stride.
Tinchy Stryder plays Solus, Cardiff University Students Union, Thurs 1 Oct.
Tickets: £11. Info: 029 2078 1458