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James Arthur talks about creating his album during lockdown

"Music came along and was a friend to me at the time when I needed it"

Author: Hazel ScottPublished 22nd Nov 2021
Last updated 22nd Nov 2021

James Arthur joined us for an interview ahead of his performance at Hits Live Birmingham on 20th November, and got chatting about his experience creating music during lockdown and how he feels getting back to performing live.

James released his fourth studio album 'It'll All Makes Sense In The End' on 5th November, and performed tracks from the album including his hit song 'Medicine' at Hits Live Birmingham. He was joined by an incredible line-up of artists including Anne-Marie, Tom Grennan, Becky Hill, Dermot Kennedy, Years & Years, Rag'n'Bone Man, KSI and The Wanted.

Next year Hits Live will have THREE incredible shows as we head to Liverpool on the 20th May 2022, Manchester on the 11th November 2022 and Birmingham on the 12th November 2022. Find out how to get your tickets here.

James has come a long way since he won The X factor in 2012, and we took the chance to look back on his music career: "I have got no regrets and I am so proud of what I’ve been able to achieve and to still be here, I mean still be asked to perform at these things. Just to be on the bill with some young and talented artists, it's great. I suppose it means that I've managed to maintain some sort of longevity from the show. I'm just pleased with how it’s gone really."

He opened up about what it was like creating his album during lockdown: "I mean at first it was hard, and I definitely hit a bit of a wall, like everyone did. It was depressing for a little while and then as always music sort of came along and was a friend to me at the time when I needed it and I made a record that was a passion project."

He continued: "I made a bunch of music that isn’t necessarily meant for the charts or anything. I haven’t tried to write any hit songs I just made something that I really loved and felt passionate about. So it’s been fun just sharing that with people. I spent the most part of that 18 months making the record and now I’m promoting it and it’s great. It’s fun to be back."

During lockdown, James also left his home in London and talked about the decision to move: "I moved out of London to Surrey for a bit, which was the best thing I did. It just felt great to be just outside of the madness a little bit, and then that sort of then helped me realise that I could be anywhere in the country and of course there is nowhere better than being close to your roots and your family and friends."

When asked if he was nervous to be back performing live, he said: "I've fallen back into the mechanics of it all. It just feels very natural to me. You get to that stage and then you see the crowd and there’s the energy in the room and you sort of wake up."