We caught up with busy X Factor winner Matt Cardle, currently in rehearsals for his forthcoming national tour...

 

Great to meet you Matt, how did you discover your interest in music?

I must have been about 6 or 7 and my Dad loved the Bee Gees so I would perform in the garden, singing along to their songs! I started to learn to play guitar at 11 but I've sang all my life, my Mum and Dad said I even made a lot of noise when I was in my pram, but I was always in tune!

 

What do you remember from the night you won the X Factor?

It was one of the best nights of my life but the rest is a bit of a blur! I would love to say that after I won I went out and partied to celebrate but I actually went back to the contestants' house, ate cold chicken and went to sleep!

 

Danni Minogue was your mentor, does she still keep in touch?

Yes, she does actually. I was on my way back to Essex and Danni got in contact to ask me to meet up for a drink but I couldn't make it - she's on my speed dial, she really is so sweet!

 

What was your first paid gig?

Wow! When I was gigging in Essex it was the norm that you only got paid if you did covers, which must have been when I was about 23-24 even though I was in a band since aged 13. My favourite covers have to be Joleen and Nights in White Satin.

 

Last year, you performed for Children in Need, a charity close to your heart, why is that?

At two years old I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It was picked up by my mum being slightly neurotic, when she saw a rash on my foot she raced me to the Doctors and they dismissed it. My mum persisted, I had blood tests, scans and the kidney was finally removed.

 

When is your next single out from your debut album 'Letters'?

'Amazing' is my next single from the album, out on the 19th February it will form part of an EP. 'Run for your Life' written by Gary Barlow, came in quite late, was your album complete? Yes, I thought it was just a case of doing a few more sessions to see if we could get anything better and in came Gary's track. It arrived on a CD (which is pretty old school) but when my team said that Gary had written it I gave it a try and liked it instantly!

 

How are the rehearsals for your March tour going and what's the line-up?

Really well, the stage plan and set are looking fantastic and there's going to be an acoustic section in the middle of the show. The majority of the tracks are from my debut album 'Letters' but there will be a few choice covers too. I have four superb musicians to accompany me and a quality support act, Roxanne Emery.

 

How do you prepare for the mammoth 20 tour dates?

My voice is good and I'm trying my best to keep it in the best shape I can as I want to ensure everyone has a great time on the tour and the audience enjoy it. Singing is what I am all about, no matter how big or small the crowd, that's where I am happiest.

 

Everyone remembers your duet with Rihanna, who else would you love to sing with?

That's easy, Chris Martin from Coldplay!

 

Finally what will you and your girlfriend be doing on Feb 14th?

I'll probably still be rehearsing but will take her out for a romantic meal and I'm sure there will be some flowers!!

 

 

Good luck with the tour Matt we are looking forward to seeing you!

 

 

Matt is appearing with Roxanne Emery at the 02 Apollo, Manchester on 22nd March For more information go to: www.mattcardlemusic.com www.janedeanpr.co.uk