After another golden year – during which he performed to billions at London’s Olympics closing ceremony – it seems Taio has success on tap. However, with a third album on the way and the continual growth of his own clothing line, don’t try telling him to slow down…

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FAULT is thrilled to have Taio grace our Men’s cover section for Issue 13, for which we had the chance to spend a day with the star and find out more about his aesthetic, clothing – including his own line, RXTR, and what fans can expect from him in 2013.

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FAULT: You are about to release your third studio effort Taio, can you tell us more about that and the influences behind the tracks on the album?
Taio: TY.O is very much a continuation of the Rockstarr album. It’s up-tempo, lots of fun and based on real life experiences. I wrote ‘Hangover’ when I was in Ibiza with friends. I just felt like there should be an anthem for everyone there! ‘Little Bad Girl’ is also a very up-tempo tune that will be on the forthcoming album.

 

 

 

 

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How do you think you’ve grown as an artist since the start of your career?
I’m always growing as an artist. You can never can learn enough, really, So many amazing new innovative inspirations and artists out there at the moment. I actually started out writing ballads and Departure (my first album) was mostly R&B inspired. Rockstarr and TY.O represent more of an evolution as myself as an artist. I really enjoy music as a whole – and pop genre music is always a changing sound; it constantly takes different directions. I really like artists such as Adele, for instance.

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You have your own clothing and accessories line RXTR; can you tell us more about that?
I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I really like taking something from nothing and building from that. It started out initially with sunglasses and it has grown to more accessories and a fully-fledged clothing line. My watches are actually carried at Selfridges and an expansion of the line will be taking place later this year – including womenswear! Vintage pieces have a strong influence on the line. If you’re looking for direct references then I really love designers like Balmain.

FAULT MAGAZINE ISSUE 13 (WINTER 2012-13) – THE CONTRASTS ISSUE – IS  NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER

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