[VIDEO] ‘It’s a proper body of work’ – an interview with James Arthur

EARLIER this month UK singer-songwriter James Arthur released his fourth album titled 'It'll All Make Sense In The End'.

This latest musical work was written by James during lockdown while at home. As one would have guessed, with a personal studio equipped with industry-standard recording gear and a backdrop of minimal distraction, he was able to come up with sweet and enigmatic melodies.

The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle got up-close and personal with the 2012 X Factor winner on his “proper body of work that needs to be heard in its entirety", and music evolution.

The Vibes: Hi James, it’s great to be able to speak and congratulate you personally on your new album. Now that you are about to go on tour, what do you miss most about it?

James Arthur: Thank you! Definitely lots to look forward to. I mean, the album is now out for the world to hear so I can’t complain much. What I miss most about it all is travelling really. I love it. Meeting fans from different parts of the world, of course.

TV: We have a range of songs in this new album, some more upbeat than others, but fans know you best with your slow guitar tunes. For ‘Emily’, what went through your mind when you wrote it? How did the writing progress from there?

JA: It was particularly a difficult song to write because I came up with the idea to write a letter to my daughter in the future.

It’s a different way of approaching the whole thing, and the reason why I even wrote ‘Emily’ was because I was reflecting about a lot of things – thinking what I would be like as a father, and with me getting to an age where it’s just about the right time to ponder.

I guess that my job as a songwriter is to also try and relate with others who (might) be thinking or experiencing it.

So, how do I evolve from that writing approach? It’s really about tapping into the right headspace and making songs as authentic as possible.

Yeah, I never really stick to one genre, and have sort of jumped around and done multiple on my previous albums. This album is obviously done deliberately to reflect one style of music just because I like the idea of it.

I don’t think genre defines me as an artist, I think the songs and the way I perform defines me.

TV: That said, what helps inspire you?

JA: Immersing myself and appreciating life, I suppose. Paying attention and respect to people and their stories.

TV: How would you like people to remember you by?

JA: I like to leave a legacy of songs that touch people and help them. I would love to be remembered as someone who throws it all out there – throwing my heart out there, and not holding anything back.

When I was on The X Factor, the feedback that I would get a lot is that I have a lot of pain in my voice. That to me is meaningful, being that sort of performer known to be authentic. If I am able to leave an impression such as that, it is enough to make me happy.

TV: What life lesson have you learned since you started your career as a musician?

JA: I think that hard work pays off. If you set yourself a goal, and you focus on it with a bit of self belief, you can get what you want out of life. – The Vibes, November 28, 2021

*Watch the video interview video for the full exclusive...