MARCUS Samuel is buzzing after just performing in front of a sold out crowd at the Harlow Playhouse as part of a live show for BBC Music Introducing.

The rap artist from Leigh is now getting ready to launch his new album.

KELLY BUCKLEY catches up to find out more.

KB: Thanks for chatting to us Marcus. A lot seems to be happening for you at the moment. You were recently voted as one of the top 12 artists to watch out for in 2018 by BBC Music Introducing. How did that feel?

MS: In all honestly it was an amazing accolade for me personally to not only be nominated and recognised for all the hard work I put in last year, but to be told I was the first in my genre/category of artist to breakthrough and be shortlisted made it all the more satisfying.

KB: You just played at the BBC Introducing show at the Playhouse in Harlow I understand. How did that go?

MS: Yeah that’s right, it was last Friday 2nd February 2, and to perform in front of a sold out crowd was even better! I can only thank BBC Essex for presenting me with the opportunity.

KB: How do you describe your music?

MS: I feel my music is versatile and I don’t like to limit myself to one particular sound/genre.I like to create anything from acoustic to grime as I feel you can connect and reach out to broader audience. I don’t really see it as just rap but more poetry/spoken word.

KB: You’ve got an album launch coming up in April. Can you tell us a bit about the album?

MS: Yeah it's out on Friday April 27 and it's called Growing Pains. I’m really excited to be working closely with The Boatyard in Leigh for the launch party. Years of work has gone into this album so I want to make the launch a real roadblock event with food and drinks, support acts and live entertainment throughout the night. We plan on performing the album on the night with a live band so that’s something I'm really looking forward to. Tickets can be purchased with a free album copy as well which I think is an added incentive for people to attend!

KB: What do you tend to write about?

MS: I tend to write about real life personal experiences, the trials and tribulations that life throws at us. I really hope in some way, shape or form people can relate or connect to my story and take comfort or inspiration whilst listening.That’s what I perceive to be real music anyway.

KB: Who puts together the music for your tracks?

MS: I try not to limit myself to one specific producer as I love collaborating and working closely with multi-talented artists, and if someone ends me an instrumental that I can vibe too, I’m more than happy to get to work in the studio. But that being said a guy name Jay Silva produces a lot of my material.

KB: What is next in the pipeline for Marcus Samuel?

MS: I’m really excited to see what 2018 brings as I've got loads planned in the pipeline this year from live shows, more videos and of course my album release. My new single and video High and Dry is incoming as well as performances at In the Park Festival Garon Park, on Sunday May 27, and various boxing events, so all in all I’m really excited.

Keep up to date with Marcus via his social media accounts, including facebook.com/marcus.samuel.39. Growing Pains will be available to purchase on iTunes and all other digital outlets.