Marcus Collins exclusive interview

by Daniel Falconer | 15 July 2014

After announcing a brand new album and his debut tour of the UK, Marcus Collins is showing no signs of slowing down after already achieving so much at the age of 23.

In an exclusive and revealing interview with FemaleFirst, Marcus discusses the new material, his relationship with Robin Windsor and much more.

With new music coming this summer, what should fans expect from you and the material?

I am working on the music I’ve always really loved listening to, and I don't choose to pigeon hole myself or put myself in a box I’m singing what makes me happy.

Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your music?

I’m inspired every day. My mind runs overtime and won’t let me rest. I over think situations and consider every possible outcome. This leads to a wide range of things to sing about or points to make. I feel every emotion so strongly it’s exhausting. Inspiration comes mostly when I’m in love. or in pain.

How would you say you’ve evolved as an artist since your time on The X Factor in 2011?

I have remained myself, yet become stronger and more aware of myself and what makes ME happy. I realised I can’t please everyone and as soon as you do you have already failed by trying. My music has grown as my life experience has. I feel I’ve experienced so much more and been through so many ups and downs it’s shaped my voice and you can really hear the pain or the joy. I don’t just sing songs anymore I tell stories of my experiences.

What kind of show will you be putting on when you embark on your first live theatre tour of the UK?

I’m doing a show of songs I have always loved and songs that gave me the urge to sing them. Anything that gave me butterflies is on my set list. It’s gonna be something special, and I will give it my everything.

If you could work with any artist going forward, who would you choose and why?

Any artist - probably Stevie Wonder or Beyoncé. I love Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae any of them. They’re strong artists with strong characters and know exactly who they are and sing from the heart.

You’re now in such a loving relationship with Robin Windsor - do you have any plans to take that relationship to the next level yet with marriage?

We haven’t even been together 1 year yet so marriage is a bit scary to discuss, however I have no doubt in my mind I’ve met someone extremely special who makes me beam when I spend time with him. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

Would you take up the chance to dance with Robin in a series of Strictly Come Dancing?

That wouldn’t be a good idea haha - we both like different things and our relationship is perfect as it is. We spend just the right amount of time together and being in a work room for up to 12 hours a day under stress and taking it home would throw a spanner in the works so sadly no. That’s his world and he does an amazing job.

You’ve also thrown your support behind Big Brother Power Trip's Mark, have you been watching the show and would you ever consider going on the celebrity version?

Mark is a childhood friend and such a kind sweet hearted guy. I would love to go on the Celebrity Big Brother however it would be scary to be away from my broadband connection for a month! No books or music or boyfriend! I’d probably go mad!

With the tour and new music, is there anything else you can share with us that we should keep an eye out for in the coming weeks and months?

My main focus at the moment is new music and the tour, it's so exciting! For the rest of the year I am performing at a few festivals, off to China for a month with a West End Show that is going on tour there and then back to perform in a Christmas Musical!