THE WIRE - ELBA TO LAUNCH MUSIC CAREER

ELBA TO LAUNCH MUSIC CAREER

THE WIRE star IDRIS ELBA is to take a break from acting to concentrate on his music career - he plans to release an album later this year (09).
The British actor, who plays Baltimore drug kingpin Stringer Bell in the U.S TV series, records under the name Driis and has already released a song, titled The Best I Can.
And he aims use 2009 to fully establish himself as a musician.
Elba, who appeared the video for Busta Rhymes' recent track Respect My Conglomerate, describes his musical style as "a hybrid, everything from drum'n'bass to jazz" and hopes the release of his own CD will lead to a tour of Europe next year (09).
He tells NME.com, "My personal agenda has always been about musical ambitions. Music's a jealous bitch - I want to take time out (from acting) to finish the album."
But Elba insists he hasn't been calling on his famous friends to help boost his new career.
He adds, "I know Beyonce, Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes, but I don't talk to them about my music. That'd be corny. Actors doing music is a cliche, so my plan is to tour small venues and festivals in Europe next year - along with my band the Trampions - the route musicians go down."