(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Bruno Mars says being dropped by a record label at 18 made him realise he wanted to write his own sh*t.

The 25-year-old musician has penned tracks for many well-known artists, including Travie McCoy, Cee Lo Green and Flo Rida. Hes now enjoying success in his own right after releasing his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans last year, and has explained how that came about.

When he was a teenager Bruno signed to Motown Records, but the partnership didnt work out. He was eventually dropped, which made him vow to turn his life around. He had been performing numbers penned by other artists, and began to think that was why he hadnt been successful.

I didnt know what I was doing. I was like, F**k it, Im gonna start writing this sh*t on my own, he explained to Q.

Bruno agreed to emulate the iconic Rat Pack stars for a photoshoot accompanying the interview, but then became unsure whether the clothes suited him. The star explained he dislikes taking on other personas as he wants his fans to know the real him.

The moment I start doing the sh*t that Im not, thats when I get scared, he explained. (C) Cover Media