When PopDash heard that Ironik was hooking up with a top US TV star on his new single 'Fallin' In Love' we put on our red tracksuit and got ready to get down to a crazy Sue Sylvester cameo. Unfortunately that was not quite how things worked out but we are kind of glad because Ironik has hooked up with Jessica Lowndes, the hot star of US teen drama 90210. We caught up with Ironik to discuss working with Jessica, his new album and just what Elton John thought of his version of 'Tiny Dancer'.

PopDash: How would you describe your new single ‘Fallin’ In Love’?

Well it features Jessica Lowndes from the hit US show 90210 and I recorded it to be a happy song, to try and make people fall in love with each other.

PopDash: How did you come to work with Jessica?

She was actually recording a track in the studio next to the one I was working in. I needed someone to come lay down a chorus for me and she came in and was really excited by what I had so it worked out well for us.

PopDash: Were you aware of her from the show?

Not really. I was actually quite sceptical about having an actress involved but then I found it she is actually a singer too and is going to be releasing an album so I was convinced by that.

PopDash: Have you become a fan of the show since meeting her?

Yeah, since we did the track I’ve gone and watched a few episodes. It’s good, I like it! We were going to go onto the set of the show and watch them film the new season  but we were a bit too busy in the end.

PopDash: How did you find shooting the video?

It was crazy man. I got to fly out to L.A. do a bit of sight seeing and shoot this video so it was cool. Obviously Jessica is an actress too so I had to get my acting skills up to scratch.

PopDash: Did you have to get into character? The character of ‘Ironik’

I did you know. In my other videos I’ve had to do that but working with an actress definitely made me up my game.

PopDash: This single will, presumably, be taken from your next album. When is that due and how is it sounding?

We haven’t actually got a release date as of yet but the album is sounding great. It’s more mature than before and sounding really international too.

PopDash: Has that come from spending time in America?

Not really no. I think it’s more to do with growing up and getting better, I’ve been practising a lot more and I think that improvement shows in the new material.

PopDash: Have you got any guest stars lined up?

I can’t name names but yes, we will have some big names on there. The last album had Elton John on there so I’ve got a standard to keep.

PopDash: What would you say you have learned from when you started out up until now?

Well the difference between then and now is that what I do is work for me now and before it was just fun. So learning to do it day in, day out but keep enthusiastic has been a learning curve.

PopDash: Who are the MC’s and rappers you admire the most right now?

I like Kanye West and Jay-Z a lot. I really like Drake too, his album is dope.

PopDash: When can fans see you next?

I have a your that starts on November 2nd going all around the UK. We’ve got a live band for the first time so I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be cool.

PopDash: Is playing with a band something you’ve picked up from watching Jay-Z?

Yeah, absolutely. Hip-hop used to be just backing track but it’s good that it’s gone up a level and things are more musical now.

PopDash: Did Elton John ever get in touch with you or Chipmunk to congratulate you on ‘Tiny Dancer’?

He did, yeah. He said well done and told me all his friends in the States loved the song. Then he sent us two bottles of champagne so that was cool!

PopDash: Have you drunk the champagne Elton sent you?

No, they’re still in the fridge. I’ll have to wait for something big to celebrate before I drink those. Maybe another Number One.

Ironik’s new single ‘Falling In Love’ is out now and he tours from November 2nd.