British Singer Olly Murs on Recording with Chiddy Bang and Touring with One Direction
Photo: Columbia Records1/6How did you break into the music industry?
"I used to play soccer and I got injured really badly. I was 23, and I had never sung in my life. One night, my mates and I went into the pub and I saw this karaoke machine. There was no one there, so we turned it on, and I started singing and monkeying around to 'Sexy Back' by Justin Timberlake. My mates thought I was quite fun and actually good at it. From then on, I started singing in pubs and inviting my friends on Facebook. I decided to audition for for a laugh. It took three times for me to get through, and on the third time, I got on."
Photo: Columbia Records2/6How do American fans compare to British fans?
"In the states, no one really knows me, but in the UK and Europe, I've had great success. I'm really grateful that my career has gone this far and that I've come to America. I'm on one of the biggest tours in America with One Direction, and the hysteria's so amazing. The fans here are a lot crazier—I've never seen the hysteria like I've seen here in America with any act in the UK. The girls are running after our bus; it's incredible!"
Photo: Columbia Records3/6What's it like to tour with One Direction? Can you tell us any funny stories about the boys?
"The One Direction boys are too cool for school, . He jumps around and is full of energy. They're good lads. I've only been with them a week, so surely in a week or two I'll have more stories to tell!"
Photo: Columbia Records4/6What is your writing process like?
"I wrote 22 of the 25 songs on my two albums, and I never write songs that are depressing. I want to write songs that are up-tempo and happy. Even it it's a break up song, you can try and write it in positive way, like you're better off without the person. My style is sort of old-school Motown; I keep it retro. I've been recording here in New York, and it's going to be a feel-good record!"
Photo: Columbia Records5/6Who are your biggest musical influences? Which artists are you currently listening to?
"Growing up, Michael Jackson was a huge influence on me. He was always playing in my house. Probably James Brown as well, and I love Stevie Wonder. As I started getting older, it was Justin Timberlake and *NSYNC. I was a massive *NSYNC fan. I've always looked up Michael Buble as well; he's a top guy. He called me to say congratulations when my album went to number one the same week that his came out—I have his number in my phone! Right now, I'm listening to a lot of One Direction. I like 'Na Na Na.' I also love Lana Del Rey and David Guetta."
Photo: Columbia Records6/6What can we expect from your next album?
"I recorded a song with Chiddy Bang, and I'm excited because I wanted to do something new and fresh. I'm in America until the beginning of July, and then I'm heading back home to write a third album. I've got lots of summer shows and am touring for the rest of the year. You'll find that my record has very different songs, which is good, but that it's still got my stamp on it. I've always wanted to tease my fans with new stuff; I don't want to be just known as an artist who does one particular type of music. I feel like I can delve into different styles, and that my new album has a bit more funk."
