James Arthur says artists have a responsibility to talk about mental health: We need to get people talking
James Arthur is gearing up to release music, but its different from his last.
Hes releasing a double A-side, with one song, You Deserve Better, a more uptempo, happy, fun track written for his fans – in contrast to his last record, which was all about battling his own demons.
That album proved cathartic for the singer, and now hes ready to move on.
The last album was very self indulgent and about me and redemption, Id been away for two years, and all the promotion was me talking about depression and anxiety, my fall from grace, he told Metro.co.uk.
And it was really tiring to talk about myself and my struggles so much. So I kind of made a conscious effort to make [the new album] directed at the listener, the fans.
Ive made sure every song is from me to you kind of angle. It feels like its helped me evolve as an artist and as a person.
In other words, James is living proof that talking about his problems has worked, and now wants to make sure that he and his fellow artists encourage their fans to speak out too. In fact, he said, its their responsibility.
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I think good for any artist, like Matt Cardle or whoever, good for them [for talking]. We have a responsibility to speak out, he said. Think about all the people who have dreams and aspirations and dont get to live them, like I know how I felt when I thought my purpose wasnt being met and I just didnt know how to say to people and I was like “whats the point anymore.”
There must be so many people who feel like that and I think we have a responsibility to tell them “you must say that, you must talk about how youre feeling” because thats the best medicine, it truly is.
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He added: Talking about your problems is medicine, it really helps. I think I have a responsibility to talk about it.
James added that he wished that people were kinder to themselves.
So now hes putting out double the amount of music to show his musical progression.
Im up for putting out as much material as I can, he said of the decision to release two songs at once. It gives me the opportunity to show diversity of album.
It gives me an opportunity to show something a bit more up tempo, the last one was ballady. Now I get to show a new side.
You Deserve Better / At My Weakest are out 1 June.
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