Starring on our monthly music video show this month is 22-year-old funk-soul singer-songwriter Rob Green, who played to a capacity crowd at the launch of his debut EP...

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IN the past few weeks Rob Green's profile has been in a rapid ascendency locally. Last month he released his debut EP, Parlour Tricks, launched at a capacity gig at Nottingham Contemporary and lined up a host of familiar faces from TV and film for the his music video, Cardinal.

He knew the cast from his time at the Television Workshop, which also gave him the confidence he has to perform.

Green's mentor, Christella Litras, has worked with the likes of Jamiroquai, Corinne Bailey Rae and Beyonce, and it is through her that he recently wrote a song for Motown legend, Martha Reeves.

Last week he spent the day with her in London including a session of jamming on stage at West End venue Ronnie Scott's.

Watch Rob chatting to Zoe Kirk on the sofa at Stealth and performing his song, Straight and Narrow."

Contact Zoe at video production company Zeddy Productions on zoe.kirk@zeddyproductions.com or follow her on Twitter at @Zoe_ZeddyProds.

Where are you from in Nottingham?

I was raised between Chilwell, Wollaton, Gedling and Aspley where I attended Trinity secondary school.

History?

I have been singing from about the age of five, ever since my grandma stood me on her coffee table in 1995 to sing Don't Back Back (by the Mighty Sparrow) to my relatives. I think I've always enjoyed performing. I started acting at the Television Workshop here in Nottingham at the age of eight. It was working on a play at the Nottingham Playhouse called Misrepresented People (2006) when I first met Christella Litras, the musical director of the show. She encouraged my songwriting and when I moved to Leeds for university, where she is based, I started working with her vocal group, Caution.

Describe your music and influences.

I think my music has an acoustic funky soul feel. My sound is influenced by musicians like India Arie, Raul Midon and Nat King Cole – certainly my singing. I have always loved the jazz soul sound. In terms of writing I think it comes from listening to poets like Sage Francis and performers like Brett Dennen. I usually write from my own experiences and ideas so naturally some subjects are harder to write about.

What is the day job?

I teach songwriting classes in Leeds.

Claims to fame?

Last week I went down to London to meet Martha Reeves. I recently wrote a song for her with my mentor Christella Litras, who is currently touring with her. Martha loved it and wanted to meet me in person. Together we went to the British Museum, chilled in a pub, I played some songs for her and just had a good laugh really. I got to watch her stunning performance at the legendary Ronnie Scott's, then to top it off I got to perform on stage after her and jam with the house band. It was a fantastic day and an honour to meet her, having grown up with my parents playing her 45s when I was a child. She's a very lovely lady.

Which other Notts musicians do you rate?

I'd have to say Nina Smith and Harleighblu. Both have beautiful voices, both are great musicians and writers and both are lovely. I haven't known either of them very long but I love their vibe.

Next gig?

I'm currently in the process of securing my upcoming gigs for this year. They'll be appearing on my website soon.

Music for sale?

My single, Cardinal, is available from the website and the usual online marketplaces. It has various remixes along with an a capella of the song so any up-and-coming producers are welcome to do their own remixes. My EP, Parlour Tricks, is also out on Monday on iTunes or you can order a CD through my website.

Web address?

www.robgreenmusic.com, www.outlawlabel.com