James Arthur opens up about struggling with his mental health
He has offered some advice for those who are also struggling
Last updated 5th Mar 2021
James Arthur has opened up about his mental health struggles prior to the pandemic.
The singer-songwriter, who’s brand-new single ‘Medicine’ is released on 5th March, spoke to Fleur East on Hits Radio about how he had been coping through 2020.
Like many other artists, James was unable to play shows or perform on stage to his fans much last year but he insisted that even prior to the pandemic, he was keen to take a break.
He said, “I needed a break mentally and physically. I was a bit drained at the start of 2020. My health was suffering a little bit and we cleared the diary for the year to give me a bit of rest bite, even before Covid came along.”
The X Factor winner’s last album ‘YOU’ was released in October 2019 and included the singles ‘Falling Like the Stars’ and ‘Empty Space’.
He added, “I was able to focus on myself. I thought ‘Great, there’s no gigs coming up and there’s no pressure points, I can just focus on one thing’ but I’m now at a point where I’m ready to get on the stage again.”
James has openly struggled with his mental health before. In March 2019, James was forced to withdraw from a gig with Take That for the Teenage Cancer Trust due to his ‘poor mental health’ and ‘crippling anxiety’.
He added that it was his upbringing that meant he found it hard to talk to others about his feelings.
He said, “Being from a working-class background, talking about my feelings always felt that that showed weakness. I always felt shame after being vulnerable around people. I always went away feeling embarrassed for sharing things.”
James offered some advice for others who were experiencing mental health struggles.
“My advice would be… I’ve always said try and be present and I think meditation does work.
“I also started reading books by a lady called Brené Brown and she has some cool TED talks too. I would encourage people to check her out. It’s a lot about vulnerability and how it is actually courage.
“As soon as I started to embrace it and not be afraid to step into the arena and say how I’m feeling things got a lot better for me. I would encourage people to talk about what’s going on in their head.”
You can find mental health advice and support here.
Check out James Arthur's career so far:
Career beginnings
James began writing and recording songs at the age of 15, performing as both a solo artist and in bands including Moonlight Drive, Cue the Drama, Save Arcade and Emerald Skye from 2005 to 2011.
In 2011, James wrote an album called 'Sins by the Sea' which was uploaded to social media sites, before forming The James Arthur Project and releasing EPs 'Hold On' and 'The EP Collection CD'.
2012: The X Factor
James auditioned for The X Factor in 2012, attending the auditions which took place throughout May and June that year. He sang a cover of 'Young' by Tulisa, who was on the judging panel that year, then 'A Million Love Songs' at Boot Camp - a song by fellow judge Gary Barlow's band Take That. He was in the final against Jahméne Douglas, winning the show.
2013: Debut self-titled album
James released his winners' single, a cover of 'Impossible' by Shontelle in December 2012, which hit the top spot in the UK charts. His self-titled debut album was released in November 2013 and went to Number 2 in the UK, featuring songs like 'You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You', 'Get Down' and 'Roses' featuring Emeli Sandé. In January 2014, he embarked on his first tour, the 'James Arthur Tour', performing 37 dates around Europe.
2014: Controversy and parting ways with Syco
James caused controversy after taking part in rap battles, causing Simon Cowell to say: "I think James, unfortunately, has had so many issues with what he has done publicly – which is a real issue with me... Somebody should have told him to shut up and just put the records out." In June 2014, he announced that he had parted ways with Syco by mutual agreement.
2015-2016: Signing with Columbia Records and second album
James signed a deal with Columbia Records in September 2015 and announced that a new album was on the way. His second album 'Back from the Edge' was released in October 2016, featuring songs 'Say You Won't Let Go' - which was a Number 1 single - and 'Can I Be Him'. James became the first X Factor performer to have two singles sell over a million copies in his home country.
2017: BRIT Awards nominations
In 2017, James' single, 'Say You Won't Let Go', was nominated at the BRITs for British Artist Video of the Year and British Single of the Year. He also released his single 'Naked', and attended The Grammy Museum at one of their Spotlight events after joining OneRepublic on their massive North American tour.
2018-2019: 'Rewrite the Stars' and third album 'You'
In 2018, James teamed up with Anne-Marie on their amazing cover of 'Rewrite The Stars', for The Greatest Showman: Reimagined. He also appeared on Brazilian soap opera O Tempo não Para, singing his song 'Empty Space'. James released his third album 'You' in October 2019, debuting at Number 2 in the UK, it was certified Silver.
2020: Fourth album
James revealed on Twitter in July 2020 that he was working on a fourth album, writing, 'I've been writing the new album for the last couple of months. I couldn't be more excited to share with you this new lane I'm playing around in, I think you'll be surprised in a good way. This is the album I've wanted to make for so long! #IWAMSITE.' He also worked on song 'Lasting Lover' with DJ Sigala.
2021: New singles and release of fourth album
James delighted his fans in 2021 when he dropped a number of new tracks, including 'Medicine', 'September' and 'Emily'.
The singer's fourth studio album 'It'll All Make Sense In The End' was released on Friday 5th November 2021.
2022: James releases the deluxe version of his album
On 11th March 2022, James released the deluxe version of his album 'All Make Sense In The End'. On the day of release he shared a heartfelt message to his fans saying: 'I love you all so much it hurts my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️'.
In 2022, James also bagged the Award-Winning Song gong, for his track 'Lasting Lover' with Sigala, at the BMI London Awards.
2023: James announces collab with Alok
In January 2023, James announced he and Brazilian DJ Alok have a new song called 'Work With My Love', it was released on 13th January. The song samples 'Lola's Theme', by The Shapeshifters.
2023: James teases his fifth album
On top of that, James announced in January 2023 that not only did he have a fifth album on the way, but he was putting the finishing touches on it! Despite not letting any details slip on a release date, it certainly got fans excited for the year ahead.
2023: Big wins for James
In June 2023, James took to Instagram to celebrate some pretty huge wins! As well as bagging a Brits Billion Award from BPI, for over a billion streams in the UK, he also celebrated a diamond award, for going 10 x Platinum in America... Impressive!
Sharing a snap of him holding his shiny new awards, James wrote: 'What amazing year so far. I managed to pick up a diamond award for going 10 times platinum in America and a @brits billion award for over a billion streams in the UK alone. Thank you for all your continued support on this bizarre rollercoaster we're on.'
2023: New singles
On 12th May, James released a brand new single titled 'A Year Ago'. Fans were elated with new music from the singer.
On top of teasing his fifth album, James then announced another single on 24th July. The song, which was released date of 4th August, is called 'Blindside' and showcases a more upbeat vibe from the award-winning singer.
2023: James releases his fifth album
James took to Instagram in September 2023 to finally reveal the name and release date of his highly-anticipated fifth album. Titled 'Bitter Sweet Love', the album was released on 26th January 2024.
2023: James Arthur announces his 'Bitter Sweet Love' tour
James Arthur's 'Bitter Sweet Love' tour will see the artist perform eight UK dates as part of a wider world tour. He starts the UK leg of his tour in Bournemouth in March 2024.
2024: James Arthur releases collab with Kelly Clarkson
In April 2024, James announced he was re-releasing his album track 'From The Jump', with the one and only Kelly Clarkson. Fans loved how amazing the pair's vocals sounded together.
Now read:
James Arthur: How the X Factor hopeful became a chart topping singer