Rita is one of dance music’s rising stars, every project just get’s bigger & bigger for her & having had a top 40 hit with J Magic & Wickaman’s “Crazy World”, 2009 has been a non stop ride ever since.

Well well well, Ms Campbell, the last few months have been a bit of a ride for you. Can you tell us what you’ve been up to & how it’s all going?
"Hi Dave! It’s been a very busy and hectic year… I’ve been all over the world doing PAs in some amazing clubs in fantastic cities. I’ve also done a few tours (Valerya, supporting Simply Red and a UK tour with The Brand New Heavies. In between live shows and travelling, I’ve been in my studio writing for TV Ads and new projects!"

“Crazy World” hit the UK top 40 & was a massive smash but how did you get involved with the record & how was it working for the boys?
"Well after working on ‘Silence’ with you guys, Carl Hanahgan, (MOS’s A&R) asked me to get involved with a new track he’s just signed (Crazy World) He set up a meeting between me and the boys (J.Majik & Wickaman) We got on really well and they asked me to do the vocal! We had no idea Radio 1 would play list it but it was amazing when they did…and even better when it charted! James and Andy are great guys to work with and I hope to do some writing with them in the new year."

Your live performance schedule is getting increasingly busier. How do you find a balance between performance & recording / writing?
"Yes it has been super busy and sometimes very tiring with all the travel, especially when working in far away places such as Siberia and Singapore but after a day of rest (sometimes jetlag) it’s a case of just cracking on with it. Sleep deprivation is the number one factor, as long as I get my sleep, I’m ok."

Where does your inspiration come from?
"I find having a tidy studio helps, If I have paperwork lying around or phone calls to make my inspiration can get lost. Once all lose ends are tied up and I have the right backtrack playing…it just comes!"

Now, I know for a fact that you always perform live and when you sang for Born To Dance @ Pacha, you absolutely tore the roof off. What do you think about artists who lip sync at their shows or on TV?
"Thanks Dave! Well, I’m not impressed with singers who have large amounts of lead vocal on their ‘backtracks’, It’s quite common but always sounds wrong especially if they’re singing along…either mime (if you have to due to ‘the show must go on’ but the singer is ill and has completely lost their voice) or sing a full live lead vocal…if singers can’t do it live…they will be busted and the work simply won’t be there for them."

X Factor… you must be watching it…? Whose your money on this year & who can’t you stand?
" Yes I have been watching and I’m really pleased the dreadful Jedward are out, it’s a singing competition after all! I think the best singers are already out, Rachel was the best in my mind but she lost out to the awful twins. Danyl Johnson is good but over cocky and has tuning problems because of it…not the most likable character to say the least! My money’s on Joe, he’s the best singer left, although a little musical theatre."

In terms of the work you do, there’s a lot of stiff competition out their. How do you set yourself out from the rest & what’s the best advice you can offer to future wannabe singers, songwriters & performers in these turbulent times?
"Yes it is tough out there, especially at the moment. I’ve been in the industry for a very long time and have worked very hard. I started very young and feel I served my apprenticeship by performing and singing on all sorts of forums including covers bands when I was very young in some very unsavoury clubs! It’s good to do as many different types of gigs and live work, it toughens you up and it’s in those places you can really develop your style and learn how to perform and deal with audiences. That would be my best advice to any singers wanting to get on the ladder…work hard, do as many gigs as you can, develop your style and serve your apprenticeship. By doing that you learn so much and are then ready to write and tackle studios. You just have to keep on at it until you have established your own circle of musicians, singers and writers."

You’ve got the performance side of things locked down, ever thought of dabbling with DJ’ing?
"What are the hours? Only joking! …..Hmmm would love to, would need a teacher first, any offers?? ;-)"

With an increased tour schedule, what’s the best & worst thing about being on the road & travelling for long periods of time?
"I love touring, I love travelling and seeing new places.. it’s great way to earn a living and I love being busy. The only thing I miss is my sofa , open fire and Tosh (that’s my TV) and meeting up with friends in Soho..I love that too!"

What’s next for Rita Campbell?
"Well, I’m back in my studio at mo working on some new tracks for me and other artists. Have just done a couple of new featured vocals (one of which I written) that should see the light of day before xmas and of course Pas."