Sunday, January 15, 2012 3:22am ET by  
Comments (0)

, , , , , , , , ,

BBC Sound of 2012's Michael Kiwanuka uses Adele as inspiration

BBC Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka has spoken of his respect for megastar Adele.

The pair toured together in 2011 and Kiwanuka, who is tipped for great things after topping the Sound of 2012 poll late last year, has cited the vocal sensation as a role model.

Speaking to the Observer, Kiwanuka revealed that he studied her and her craft with a keen eye whilst on tour. He said:

"I watched closely how Adele did things. She never really spoke a lot about the music but you knew she really knew what she was doing as a musician, what it takes to hone your craft."

When asked whether he has penned any Adele-esque heartbreak ballads on his forthcoming debut album, he admitted that he has "never been in love". He said:

"There's a song imagining what a good relationship would be like. Like, 'This is what I'd do for someone.' But I've never been in love. I don't think I have. That sounds harsh. I've been in love with friends and family; I've never been in love where you'd do anything for the person, never had that feeling that if they left, like with Adele, you'd be broken. I've been more single than not in my short life."

 

 

 

Watch Michael Kiwanuka's 'Home Again' below: