Beyonce's dad backs UK pop scene

Beyonce has an album out with Destiny's Child next month

The father and manager of R&B singer Beyonce has said UK acts should not be obsessed with cracking the US market.

"A lot of people feel they have to be accepted in America, and I don't feel that way at all," Matthew Knowles told BBC Radio 1.

"With Destiny's Child/Beyonce, we sold way more outside America than we did in, so it baffles me that you're trying to sell records in America," he said.

Former salesman Mr Knowles quit his job to manage his daughter when she was 12.

Many in the British media and music industry feel an act has not really made it until they have become a success in the US.

Artists like Robbie Williams and Oasis have never managed to achieve the same level of fame in the US as they have in the UK and Europe.

Start small

Mr Knowles said it was more important to build a fan base in the UK and Europe before going across the Atlantic.

He also believes upcoming UK artists are better off signing a record deal with an independent label at first.

"It should not be about the money," he said. "In the UK, the challenge is the deal can be too big. You need to start out with an independent label," he said.

Mr Knowles added his success was down to hard work and luck.

"It's a combination of both... you gotta put in the work... spirituality, doing the right thing, integrity, good things happen to good people."

Beyonce, who has enjoyed global solo success as a solo artist as well as with her band Destiny's Child, recently tore a leg muscle while promoting the group's new album.

The band, whose other members are Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, release Destiny Fulfilled on 16 November.