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Artist Interviews
Q&A: Taio Cruz
By CMU Editorial | Published on Friday 23 October 2009
A successful solo artist, Taio Cruz is also in demand for his songwriting and production skills, working on music for the likes of Leona Lewis, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, JLS, Anastacia and Alexandra Burke over the last two years, and most recently on Cheryl Cole’s debut solo album. This month, he released his second album, ‘Rokstarr’, via Universal/Island, which features his number one single ‘Break Your Heart’ and his top three collaboration with Tinchy Stryder, ‘Take You Back’. We spoke to Taio to find out some more.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
I started singing as a kid, and began playing the piano at school. I then started producing music at the latter end of school and college and eventually got into the music industry through word of mouth.
Q2 What inspired your latest album?
I’m mostly inspired by electro and dance music, which I’m really into at the moment. I’m also inspired by indie and rock music, which I’ve loved since a kid – that wasn’t really shown as much on the last album so with the new album I just wanted to go with it.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
It usually depends on the day. Sometimes I’ll get an idea and build it from a vocal. Other times I’ll go into the studio and lay down some ideas and arrangements and then build it from there.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
There aren’t any specific artists or bands that influence my work, as there’s so many different people that I listen to. I’m influenced by certain producers, like Quincy Jones and John Shanks, and loads of different genres like hip hop, R&B, indie and rock.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Good choice in music. You’ve got good taste and you’re probably very good looking and probably very popular because you’re listening to Taio Cruz.
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I’d really like for the album to go platinum, as the last album went gold so it would be a step up from that. I would love to have a number one album and also for every single to do as well as ‘Break Your Heart’. I’d also like people to be open minded towards me as an artist – as a writer and producer as well as a singer
MORE>> www.taiocruzmusic.co.uk
