SINGER Jozef Michael Rigo from Enniskillen, currently based in Newcastle, is making waves online with his new single, ‘I Don’t Need You Anymore’, and its accompanying upbeat music video.

Within 24 hours of being released, Jozef’s catchy Pop tune had received more than 1,000 plays on the popular music streaming platform, Spotify, and it continues to go from strength to strength.

Here Jozef talks to The Impartial Reporter about the inspiration behind the song and music video, his dream gig and what he enjoys most about performing.

What is your background in music?

I always had a passion for singing, I just never thought I could actually do it. I always wrote songs in my little notebook – I still actually have it – and to be able to pursue my music career now is amazing.

How would you describe your sound?

Complicated, ha ha! I like all types of sounds in music, from Country to Jazz, but if I had to describe my sound I would say a little bit commercial and Pop, so a little bit of everything, really.

What genre/genres do you consider your music to be?

Pop! I think I’m still figuring out what type of music I want to do. The second song coming out soon is so different to ‘I Don’t Need You Anymore’, you won’t even know it’s me singing it.

How long have you been performing?

Since the day I was born, I think. I love performing – acting, singing, dancing, it’s always been a dream of mine to perform on the West End or star in a huge Hollywood movie, but I was always told, ‘You’re from Enniskillen, nobody ever makes it from Enniskillen’.

Well, guess what Enniskillen – don’t listen to anyone, and believe in yourself, because you will succeed.

Where do you perform?

Everywhere I can. I did a show last year – Hedda Gabler, in Enniskillen – and it was such a huge success; we were meant to come back this year and do The Great Gatsby.

Sadly, Covid-19 had other plans for us, so instead I wrote music and worked with Paul Worthington, who’s worked with David Guetta, and I think that’s where we got a little inspiration for the ‘I Don’t Need You Anymore’ sound.

Aso, just before lockdown, I performed in Slovakia National theatre, which was amazing.

What is the inspiration behind your new song?

It’s a typical break-up song. When Paul and I were writing this song, we did it as if we were writing a story for a film.

We talked about the good times the couple had, and the bad times as well, and before everyone jumps to any conclusions the song is about a fake relationship, not a real one.

For the second verse, though, we decided to make it about my past, such as bullying and never fitting in, so it’s saying ‘I don’t need the negative energy of other people, I’m okay on my own’.

What has the response to it been like so far?

Absolutely amazing! People love it, and I’m surprised they do, the song has had more than 1,000 streams on Spotify in 24 hours.

I’m so thankful for everyone that’s listening to it every day. I can’t wait for everyone to hear more!

Who are your major influences?

Demi Lovato – her story, her voice and magic, she’s just an amazing, talented human being. And my family and friends as well; they always believed in me and made sure all my dreams come true, so a big thank-you goes to them.

Are you planning to create an album?

It’s funny you ask; it’s almost finished, and it’s coming out next year, I don’t know when yet, because of the situation we’re all in at the moment, but sometime next year for sure.

I was in the studio last night and we’re almost done; just a few more things to make sure it’s perfect, because I’m a perfectionist, ha ha!

Can you tell me a little about your new music video?

I wanted my friends to be in it! And I really love storybooks so I wanted to make the video different from the meaning of the song.

I wanted the video to be fun, and I wanted my little siblings and cousins to enjoy it as well, and it’s a dream of mine to play The Mad Hatter, so I had to do it!

What’s the best thing about performing?

The feeling of being on top of the world and feeling like a little superhero, performing is magical.

When I perform, I go to my own little world and perform from my heart, hoping the audience are loving it.

Do you always perform solo or do you also play with a band?

Solo at the moment. I think I consider myself as a solo artist, but if a band will have me, I’m in.

What does the rest of 2020 hold for you?

Finishing the album, of course, and focusing on uni and praying that everyone stays safe and we get through this pandemic.

It’s so scary to think we’re here today but could be gone tomorrow. It’s so sad to see it and I hope we get through it soon.

I’m also learning scripts, as I will be filming a new TV show in the beginning of the year, hopefully. So yeah, music, acting, uni and family is my priority at the moment.

What would be your dream gig?

The O2 Arena London, in front of thousands of people, that would be amazing. Just imagine me from Enniskillen on the O2 Arena stage! Also, the Grammys; that would be a dream come true.

Best moment as a musician so far?

Writing this album! And hearing my song on the radio here in Newcastle – now that was a dream come true!

Any last words?

I wanted to say thank you to The Impartial Reporter for letting me talk about myself, ha ha! Also I wanted everyone reading this to believe in themselves and being a performer is a career and don’t let anyone tell you any different.

Without music, films and art, the world would just be a sad black and white place.