Slough native Kurt Collins breaks the mold of traditional rnb by giving it an electro edge. With UK urban topping the charts at the moment it’s only a matter of time before the 20 year-old will be floating on cloud 9 because his music tops the charts too. Here he talks to Flavour about Britain’s Got Talent, growing up in Slough and music.
What was it like living and growing up in Slough?
Slough is a very inspirational place. There is a lot of young talent in the community. The lifestyle isn’t as fast paced as London and a lot of people still to this day don’t really know where Slough is. I love living and growing up in Slough and as time goes on and I get older I find myself adapting to the city life more and more but its nice to retreat back to the comfort of my hometown .
How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as RnB meets Electro.
Tell me about your single Cloud 9.
Cloud 9 was one of the first tracks I ever produced. It came about through an experience I was going through with a young woman. This young woman made me feel so high so I decided to write about it. The single is out in September so please support it!
What kind of tracks can we expect on your album?
A wide variety of musical genres – from indie to RnB, with a splash of Electro. I like breaking out of the box!
Have you always wanted to be a music artist?
I believe I was put on Earth to do music. This is quite a strong statement but I feel passionate about what I do and feel that music is my destiny.
Tell me about your journey how did you get to your current position?
I started singing at the age of 6. From a young age I used to walk around the house humming (according to my dad) so he decided to take me to a vocal coach. From then onwards I started performing doing shows on a weekly basis up and down the country in London, Birmingham, Manchester etc.
At 15 my voice broke and I didn’t regain my voice or confidence until the age of 18. From 18 onwards I spent time in the States trying to adapt to my new mature tone. When I came back to England, I started working in the studio on some new material, but I wasn’t really happy with the music I was doing. I felt like I need something a bit more quirky. Through pure frustration, I went out and bought my first keyboard and started producing my own material. And the rest is history…..
Who or what influences your music?
My thoughts and experiences play a major part in the music I write. I’m also very inspired by Ryan Leslie – I think he’s musical genius.
What do you love most about what you do?
I feel satisfied and pleased when people appreciate my music. I also really enjoy performing live and interacting with the audience
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Getting signed to Baby Girl Music and shooting my first music video Cloud 9, which you can vote for on Channel AKA by texting 4064 to 81700 (shameless plug I know..!)
What motivates you?
The hunger for success keeps me motivated
What 5 songs a you listening to on your Ipod at the moment?
Ryan Leslie (Just Right)
Davinche feat Bashy (Riding for love)
Drake (She’s the best)
FDM (Real Dream World)
Soulja Boy (Turn My Swag On)
When will the next single and album be released?
Later on this year – stay locked to my MySpace, Facebook and follow me on Twitter and all will be revealed!
How do you challenge the boundaries of typical RnB?
By breaking listeners out of their comfort zone, I like to challenge my audience’s perception of what RnB is.
How would you describe your style of dress?
Urban Geek with gentleman swagger.
What brands do you like to wear and why?
Adidas, Converse, Lily Scott, G Star
Would you ever go onto a show like Britain’s Got Talent?
No. I think I like being in control of my creativity and letting my audience see my success organically rather than on a TV show, plus not sure if the Queen would really get Kurt Collins…hahaha
Which other artists are standing out to you at the moment and why?
Master Shortie
Kay Yound
Cherri V
Drake
All these artists have one thing in common. They all think outside of the box and break their listeners out of their comfort zone.
www.myspace.com/kurtcollinsonline
Words by Annika Allen
