MARTIN... I want to have longevity in the biz and keep reinventing myself. I love to write and get my thoughts out there

The breakout star talks about life in the spotlight, releasing his first album and the one thing folks always get wrong about him

SINGER Christopher Martin is all about the ladies, man. The 21-year-old, who shot to stardom after winning the 2005 Digicel Rising Stars crown, has a serene man-child vibe about him and a melodic brand of reggae-soul that has been captivating listeners and getting major play everywhere, from the uptown club scene to the inner-city block parties. Not to mention constant rotation over the airwaves and on music video countdowns for his many singles including the brow-raising Giving It, the soothing Take My Wings and his new love-soaked hit Driver, on which he propositions an attractive young lady.

And though his 'girl-crazy' philosophy does feel clichéd and cheesy at times, there's something refreshingly honest about the singer. Maybe it's his sound, reminiscent of Tevin Campbell, Bilal and back-in-the-day Robin Thicke. These days, Martin is hoping his upcoming self-titled debut album - a collection of butterscotch ballads mixed with deliciously liquid reggae-soul-R&B - will woo an even larger fanbase. He'd better get ready.

SPLASH: Congrats on your successful run in the music biz. Looking back on your humble beginnings, did you ever think you'd accomplish so much so fast?
Martin: I have always wanted to sing and entertain people so when I came onto the music scene I came with a lot of expectations. I just pull on my creativity and it's been a joy entertaining people and getting fans. But it's been a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

SPLASH: Now you're a 21-year-old college boy and an entertainer on the road to superstardom. As a boy growing up, what did 21 look like?
Martin: I always used to tell my mother that by 21, I would be taking care of her financially whether I was working a nine-to-five job or doing music. Taking care of my family and friends was always a goal of mine.

SPLASH: What do you think has contributed most to your growth as an artiste and man?
Martin: There have been contributions from all around - encouragement from my family, friends and management. They've helped me to grow more wisely. Because of their motivation, I love and enjoy what I do even more.

SPLASH: Tell me about your forthcoming album, Presenting Christopher Martin. What can music lovers expect?
Martin: Well so far the album is about 95 per cent complete and we're just finalizing some things right now for the July release. It's very special to me because as you know it's my first record and it's about how I view life and all my feelings towards different things. Some of the songs have been on the radio already but there are some that have never been released. I worked with producers like Stephen McGregor, Chris Birch, Kingy, Arif Cooper and Leftside Parkes.

SPLASH: Do you have a lot of writing credit on the album?
Martin: Yeah man, definitely. I love to write and get my thoughts out there.

SPLASH: How would you describe the experience of balancing your busy recording schedule with your studies at UTECH?
Martin: It's been a struggle to balance school and work but it's a welcome struggle. I really can't complain because you can't go wrong with education.

SPLASH: Your fans want to know: are you singing those sweet love songs to a special somebody?
Martin: (Laughs) No, I just sing songs I know my fans can relate to, however they want to interpret it. It's not like I write all my songs from a personal stance.

SPLASH: You seem to be in love with the idea of staying in shape by working out regularly at the gym. What's up with that? Is the gym your latest obsession?
Martin: (Laughs) I wouldn't call it an obsession but it all boils down to having a good image and preserving that image. It's about the entire package. I go to the gym to work like 5 times a week.

SPLASH: How do you respond to those who say you've become arrogant and self-centred?
Martin: When people have the perception that I'm hype, I always wonder where they get it from because I don't have any traits that show that. It bothers me sometimes but you can't please everybody. That is something I've learnt.

SPLASH: What kind of future do you dream of in the music industry?
Martin: I want to have longevity in the biz and keep reinventing myself. I want to become a stalwart not only for my friends and family but also for my country. I want international success.

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