James Arthur
The music business is sometimes “like politics”
In 2012 James Arthur won the talent show “The X Factor” with “Impossible”.
© Columbia Germany / Sony Music
James Arthur became famous in 2012 when he won “The X Factor”. Here he reveals whether he regrets his participation in the casting show.
James Arthur (33, “Impossible”) became an overnight star in 2012 with his win in the UK version of “The X Factor”. Before he releases his fourth studio album in the summer, the name of which is still “top secret”, the “Medicine” interpreter talks to the news agency spot on news about the benefits of casting shows in 2021 and possible alternatives for aspiring artists. The singer-songwriter also reveals why he almost ended his career three years ago and what chart successes had to do with it.
You are only 33 and still announced in 2018 that you wanted to say goodbye to music. A little later you withdrew your statement. What was behind the idea of an early retirement?
James Arthur: I probably felt drained and tired at the time. Sometimes it is difficult to find your way in this business.
What do you mean?
Arthur: Often it’s not about who makes the best music or who can sing the best, but it’s kind of like politics. There is a lot of negativity and trolls. I just don’t like some elements of this culture and the job.
Chart successes are certainly an important element.
Arthur: I don’t like working my ass off, putting out music and then waiting for confirmation. Sometimes it doesn’t feel nice to always ask, “Oh, where is it positioned?” Much revolves around confirmation. I think I was at a point back then where I just wanted to do everything for myself, not for anyone else. But when I started to change my thinking, I was able to enjoy it again.
Do you think this condition will last for a long time?
Arthur: There are still aspects that I don’t love and I don’t know if I’ll be making pop or mainstream music forever. It has to make sense, make me happy, and fulfill me.
Her career began in 2012 when she won the British version of the talent show “The X Factor”. Such formats are very popular worldwide, but tend to limit artists in terms of their creative freedom. You quickly end up in a drawer. Would you take this route again?
Arthur: I don’t know. I was at a point in my life where I had no other option and was desperate. I had to fight and try. There aren’t a lot of opportunities where I come from and my family didn’t have a lot of money. I didn’t know anyone in the music business either. Many people achieve success this way.
So you made the decision out of necessity.
Arthur: Yeah. At that time they even turned off the electricity in my apartment. So I called my mom and asked her to lend me some money and she said, “Apply to ‘The X Factor’ and I’ll give you money.” So I said, “Okay.” That’s how it was. I didn’t really want to go this route because I loved rock bands and people like Kurt Cobain during my childhood and youth. I didn’t mean to sound artificial. Thank god I don’t do that anyway.
Are young artists still well advised to take part in a casting show in 2021?
Arthur: I think if you go to one of these shows you have to know who you are and already have an identity as an artist. When you’re good enough … the crème de la crème always makes it to the top. I believe in that. I don’t know how influential these shows are nowadays.
Perhaps the social media are more useful tools for promoting and promoting yourself.
Arthur: YouTube and TikTok could be even more influential [als Castingshows, Anm. d. Red.]. And television formats don’t seem to have so many superstars anymore. But they can make you known – that much is certain.