It was less than a year ago that the world started going crazy for British R'n'B newcomer Mr Hudson. Thanks to his friendship and collaborations with a certain Mr Kanye West (and then Jay Z), the little-known English singer with the white-blond hair suddenly found that everyone wanted a piece of him.

Single Supernova went to number two (only beaten to the top spot by JLS and their 10 million X Factor fans), he picked up a Q award and pictures of him and rumoured lady-friends – including Fearne Cotton and Rihanna – filled the tabloids.

Now, there's a tour coming up – and Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, or Ben to his friends, is aiming to prove he's a lot more than just Kanye's mate.

"I just love playing live," he tells The Week. "My perfect day would be a nice lie-in, an English breakfast, go to the studio for a bit and then a show. We've been building up to this tour for a while now."

The tour, which starts in Loughborough at the weekend, is all about talent, says Ben.

"We're a real musical bunch and that's something me and the band have always been really proud of. I love picking up my guitar… it won't be like watching people mime and dance to a backing track.

"With the singles and videos it's just me poncing about. I want to remind people I'm a singer and a songwriter."

Last time Mr Hudson came to Leicestershire it was to play mlast year's Summer Sundae festival, a show he includes in his top five of all time.

"That was brilliant. I remember going out on stage and within the first number there was moshing in front of the stage.

"Then I looked up at the gallery and there were loads of families watching as well. Chipmunk (the teenage rapper) was there and I came off and he said 'Mr Hudson, you dismantled the venue; you destroyed it'. Such a hip hop thing to say."

After the success of the last album, Straight No Chaser, Ben has been writing constantly, but has no plans to start making a follow-up yet.

"I make music all the time but for now I want to concentrate on the tour and then festivals and just having a laugh."

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Mr Hudson , with support from Tinie Tempah, plays at Loughborough University Students' Union on Sunday.