James Arthur: The pandemic has “held up the mirror” to society

James Arthur
The pandemic held up the mirror to society

At the age of just 33, James Arthur (“Say You Won’t Let Go”) is already one of the best-known British singer-songwriters. In the summer, the musician will bring his fourth studio album onto the market, on which he has partly worked in the corona lockdown. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Arthur reveals in advance whether the first single “Medicine” is dedicated to his girlfriend, what his fans can expect on the new long player and why he could soon sound like rapper Post Malone (25). He also explains how making music saved him from being a permanent hermit after the outbreak of the pandemic.

“Medicine” is the first song you wrote for your new album. Is it a personal love letter to your partner?

James Arthur: It’s a love letter to you and anything that helps people get through a dark time. The message is to choose love and positivity and focus on the people and things that cheer you up, carry you and make you feel better in dark times. It fits in very well with this time, considering what we’re all going through right now.

Due to the corona pandemic …

Arthur: Yeah. When I wrote the song, we were pretty much in their midst. There was no end in sight and no hope to be felt. I’ve had friends and family members who lost their jobs or got depressed … I just wanted the song to be inspiring.

You have struggled with anxiety yourself for years. In early 2020 you even had a panic attack on stage and had to leave it. How are you today?

Arthur: As long as I do the right things, be creative and exercise, I’m fine. For the first few months in lockdown, I was very scared. I mutated into a hermit, played video games and hid from the world. Like many people, I just felt stressed out. Then my old friend, music, became my strongest ally. I made an album and was very productive. In the first few months, however, I had stuffed a lot of food into myself and “ate up” my emotions, which is why I started jogging and hiking. My girlfriend and I did long tours every day and that helped us. We ran mile after mile … it was cathartic.

Many people see a positive effect of the pandemic in the opportunity to relax and reflect. Do you agree with that?

Arthur: 100 percent! A mirror was held up to us as a society and it became clear that we all had to shift down a gear. We have to go outside more often and learn to appreciate nature again. I think a lot of people found a piece of freedom in it.

Speaking of freedom, there have been rumors that their new album will be called “The Emancipation of James Arthur”. Does it have that title?

Arthur: I said that myself a while ago. But it will be called differently.

And how?

Arthur: I can’t reveal that, but don’t worry! The title will make perfect sense.

In 2020 you wanted to experiment with different musical styles, such as experimental pop, rap or alternative rock. Does the end result reflect this endeavor?

Arthur: It’s become a mix of rap, rock and pop – as if Blink 182 met Post Malone and a little bit James Arthur.

Sounds like an interesting mix, but do you really rap like Post Malone?

Arthur: I rap in a melodic way. I approach the verses like a rapper. On one song, “Déjà Vu,” the first verse sounds very typical of the singer-songwriter James Arthur, but on the second verse I wondered what it would sound like if Travis Scott rapped it. It made the whole thing exciting. No two verses are alike.

Have you worked with other artists?

Arthur: Yes, but unfortunately I can’t name any names here either.

Okay, but your wishes for the rest of 2021 are definitely not “top secret”!

Arthur: (laughs) I hope to be able to play at least one concert. That would be great! I just want to get out of the house and play cards with my friends, you know?

Absolutely! Or go to a bar and people watch.

Arthur: Yeah! And I just want to release this new music – preferably immediately.

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