Matt Cardle says he's eager to move on from X Factor
- Published
Matt Cardle says he's put his stint on X Factor behind him as he releases his debut album.
The 28-year-old won the 2010 series of the ITV show but says a recent performance on the programme closed that chapter for him.
"That was my X Factor trip over," the singer told Newsbeat. "Now I have to get on with being Matt on my own with my band and writing and performing."
Cardle beat Cher Lloyd and One Direction in last year's final.
He releases his debut album Letters this week.
Going solo
"This is where I stand on my own two feet and see if I can really cut it," he said.
"I just want to do the best I can. I know that's a cop out to say, but I've always been dreaming big and wanting to achieve the best I can.
"I'm not stopping. I want the album to do really well and I want everyone to come to the tour next year.
"And I want to make another album next year and that to do really well."
The former painter and decorator only reached number six in the official UK chart this weekend with his Gary Barlow-penned single Run For Your Life.
He says his first collection of original songs isn't what a lot of fans will be expecting.
"There's a lot of Coldplay-esque stuff on the album but with big guitars," he explained.
"It's Coldplay stood on their distortion pedal. It's a bit more like that at times.
"It's not a metal album or anything like that, there's some definite rocks songs like that.
"I'm loving everything I've ever loved before. That's me, Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, Michael Jackson. I've been out of the loop recently."
Aside from Barlow, Cardle has also worked with producer Eg White who in the past penned hits for Adele and James Morrison.
"We've got some stuff that's more Adele-esque," he admits.
"There's some acoustic stuff as well which is really stripped down and emotional."
Matt Cardle's debut album Letters is out now.
- Published27 June 2011
- Published13 December 2010