Tinchy Stryder
Location: London
Bio: Meet Tinchy Stryder, the “Star in the Hood” and one of 2008’s most exciting new artists. Having just turned 21 he already has a MOBO ... (more)
nomination, Sidewinder Award, has toured with Kano and Bedouin Soundclash, performed across Europe and released an independent debut to critical acclaim – all with only the backing of his two teenage managers and himself. And now he’s been swooped up by Island Records just 3 weeks before the release of the single from the new album…
Tinchy, real name Kwasi Danquah, was born in Ghana in 1986 and moved to East London at a young age. He was brought up and still lives in one of the capital’s most dangerous boroughs – Tower Hamlets; yet despite his tough upbringing he has a distinctly positive outlook on life and is determined to provide a positive role model for kids across the country. Having started making music, along with his group ‘Ruff Sqwad’, aged just 13 Tinchy has seen through the years the negative press that the music he loves has received and is on a mission to change this.
“It’s important to me to show that black males aren’t all about looking threatening and robbing your granny” Tinchy quips. “It’s not always easy growing up in an inner city area, wherever it is, but in my music I want to show people that you can take that experience and turn it into something positive.”
“I guess my writing is pretty much from my life experience right now” says Tinchy. “That’s why I’ve focused a lot on the whole star in the hood thing – cos I’m still here – where I always have been, but now people know me, so I can’t always go the same places I used to be able to. I’m not in a rush to get out cos I know my area and I love it, but hopefully one day through my music I can.”
With a tour supporting Jack Penate in February and March already behind him in 2008 he’s’ ready for the next stage. “I really loved it! I like his music and I loved performing my show at packed venues!” Tinchy says. His live show has become something people really remember. With his high energy and crowd involvement, Tinchy is capable of winning even the most unlikely crowd over, as proved by the 11-date Bedouin Soundclash support slot in November 2007. “Some of the shows were hard to start with, but they always get involved eventually - they can’t resist me innit,” he laughs.
Recent sessions with Fraser T Smith (Craig David, Kano) have proved fruitful, with some exciting results. According to the man himself, “Working with Fraser has been sick, a different experience for me to what I’m used to, I think he’s definitely brought out the best in me. I’ve always had influences beyond the obvious and Fraser can bring any style through. I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve made. I really am excited to get this stuff out there.”
With musical influences ranging from his mentors, Dizzee Rascal and Wiley, through to less expected artists such as Phil Collins and Oasis, Tinchy’s sound is ever expanding. “I recently worked with a band for the first time – The Underground Heroes,” he explains. “Again, it was something new and exciting for me. We definitely clicked and hopefully we can do some more stuff in future – live and studio based.”
Binding it all together, one thing remains constant - Tinchy’s charisma, confidence and style when delivering his words. He’s always been praised highly for his captivating flow and quick-fire, yet clear, delivery. From his early days as a 16 year old with an unbroken voice on pirate radio right through to the present, with fans such as Mike Skinner (who featured Tinchy on two remixes), championing his unique presence on the microphone.
For now though Tinchy is concentrating on touring and wrapping up the plan for his album re-launch. After ‘Star in the Hood’ was released to massive underground success in 2007 he has decided that he’s not done with it just yet. “I think it’s good enough to reach to a much wider audience” says Stryder “it was only put out there by me, Archie and Jack; I know with more backing and a couple of extra tracks that’s it’s gonna be big this year. I’m out to takeover the world this time round” he smiles “I’ll start with Britain first though”
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