James Arthur: ‘It’s too scary to even think about where I’d be if I didn’t do music’

I have been a huge James Arthur fan for years. My mum introduced me to his music as she loved him on The X Factor and has been a massive fan ever since. She took me to see him for the first time, which started a long spending spree of concert tickets. I’ve now seen him 23 times. 

The songs I connect with most are “Recovery” and “Finally Feel Good” as these were extremely relatable during the darkest points of my life. His music expresses what it feels like to suffer with mental health issues and shows that there is a way out of them, which is also clear in fan favourite “Train Wreck”.  

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I remember during the hardest times of my life, listening to “Recovery” with my mum, bawling my eyes out and dancing around the living room. It gave us a way to feel like everything was going to be OK, despite it feeling impossible at the time. 

The lyrics give fans like me a way to recognise that they’re not alone. And his authenticity to speak out about mental health issues is inspiring and makes it easy to fall in love with his music. James Arthur is a huge inspiration to young musicians like me as he shows that if you have the determination you can do anything.   

James Arthur: How are you, Chloe?  

Chloe Jones (18, from Chorley): I’m feeling a lot of emotions! 

JA: Well, I’ve been following what you’ve been up to and I’m really inspired by your determination, your bravery and your courage. Even though you were overwhelmed and struggling, you found a way through. That shows resilience and it’s super inspiring. I’m really happy to be talking to you today. Anything you want to ask about, I’m an open book. 

CJ: So, to introduce myself, I’m 18 and I’m from a town called Chorley near Preston. You’ve probably never heard of it. I’m on the OnSide Youth Advisory Board. I don’t know if you’ve heard how much of a fan I am, but I’ve been to your shows 23 times – and I’m coming to seven more next February.  

JA: I recognise you, I think. I feel like I’ve seen you a few times!  

CJ: I’m writing about the impact of music on young people’s mental wellbeing. I find your story inspiring. Your music resonates with thousands of people. My mum’s deaf [Chloe is a young carer for her mum who is deaf/blind] but she still comes to your concerts and knows every word of every song. She’s really jealous right now and dying to walk into the room. So, how and when did you get into music? 

JA: I was struck by music from an age I don’t even remember. It’s always been part of me due to both my mum and dad being obsessed. Also, I was pretty ADHD from early on and realised that if I could mimic some of the things my mum loved about music, I would get her attention. I think I got addicted to that. It gave me something to channel this hyper nervous energy into. 

CJ: My favourite song is “Homecoming”. There’s a line: “It took me a while to find my place in Rye Hills School, until I sang and played guitar.” Can you expand on how singing and playing guitar helped you? 

JA: It gave me an identity and a way for people to understand me. Because I think I was a bit of a weirdo, a bit of an outcast. I struggled to find my place. Then I started making funny songs up and putting them on the internet. When the popular kids found out, they were like, “Sing us a song, mate.” And it spiralled from there – I was the funny kid that made up songs.  

CJ: Was there a person that taught you or a role model? 

JA: Not really, other than my mum. She was really encouraging, telling me how amazing I was all the time. That’s what spurred me on. I was quite badly behaved at school, but if I was doing all right at music, my mum couldn’t tell me off too much!  

Read more:

• X Factor star Grace Davies on music, mental health and Liam Payne: ‘I’m glad that show isn’t on now’
• Olly Murs on mental health and losing Caroline Flack: ‘She visits me in my dreams – it’s lovely’
• James Arthur gets candid about mental health with young superfan: ‘I struggled with fame’

CJ: If you don’t mind, I am going to share a bit of how I got into music. I had a difficult childhood – I struggled with my mental health and dropped out of school at 14. I tried to take my life multiple times. I was drinking a lot. I felt like my life was going nowhere. And I got out of that through going to the Youth Zone. I spoke to a music youth worker there and explained what was going on. I also have ADHD, so I’m very fidgety, and he said, “Why don’t you try the drums?” Now I go four times a week, play the drums half decently, and my mental health has improved so much. Would having a place like that have made it easier for you? 

JA: That’s awesome, by the way. That’s absolutely incredible. I’m so proud of you. It’s clear the arts are not supported as they should be in the UK. Until The X Factor it felt like there was no way to break into the music industry unless you know someone who knows someone or have financial backing.
So it would have helped me. I’m so encouraged to hear this organisation has helped you, because it’s life and death, isn’t it? You found your purpose. You found a place. And that’s amazing. 

CJ: I think without going to Youth Zone, I would have carried on drinking and my life would have gone down that path. 

JA: I have also relied on substances to deal with the pain of not being where I wanted to be. It’s rough.  

CJ: Learning music changed my life. Where do you think you’d be if you didn’t do music? 

JA: It’s too scary to even think about. But had the opportunity I got in my early 20s not come then, I fear where I would have ended up. Music’s how I can be of service to people – and I feel like that’s the point of life. If you’ve got a gift or something that can make people feel better, you have to be of service.  

CJ: How important is it for young people to have a hobby they can access for free, not based on how rich your parents are? 

JA: I couldn’t place enough importance on that. It’s vital. I don’t know why there aren’t more government schemes. It saves lives, as you’ve just demonstrated. This is why I wanted to do this chat. Because if we can get the word out about things like OnSide, then there will be more cases like yours where people are getting past their mental health problems or dealing with them better. 

CJ: Have you got advice for anyone that wants to get into music but can’t afford lessons or don’t have a Youth Zone? 

JA: I can only speak from first-hand experience – if you’re asking me what it takes to be an artist that can connect with people, it’s authenticity and it’s working your arse off.  

CJ: Did your love of music and having it as an outlet change when you won The X Factor? 

JA: That’s a deep one. I don’t want to give you a really dark answer, but something shifted. Because, like you, music was a coping mechanism for my past traumas. So when you start having to treat it like a business, it takes time to adapt. And it is well documented that I struggled with fame. I have been trying to get back to the love of it and I’m there now. I’m touring America and get to sing every night and see how this music heals and affects people. It’s the most rewarding thing imaginable.  

CJ: If something bad goes on in my life, my mum will say, you know what James Arthur says? “It all makes sense in the end.” Did you have artists you looked up to?  

JA: When I started to write songs, I looked up to people that were outcasts, like Eminem and Nirvana. Kurt Cobain famously went through a bit of homelessness like I did and felt exiled from his community. I’m inspired by anybody that’s been broken but wants to help others with their story.

CJ: This is a very broad question but have you got any advice for anyone that is struggling with mental health that might not have the opportunity I had to go into a building for free and say, ‘Look, this is going on, can you help me?’ 

JA: The thing I preach every night when I do the song “Train Wreck”. You’ve probably heard me talk about how important and courageous it is to be vulnerable. I remember when, like you, I was suicidal and I didn’t want to be here any more. I didn’t see a way out, because I didn’t think anybody would understand what was going on up here [in my head]. But nothing could be further from the truth. A lot of people are going through similar things, so it’s important to talk to anyone who will listen. Because nobody dislikes the person who’s honest and vulnerable. That takes courage. So speak about it, as hard as that is. Invest in your friends and family and community. That would be my advice. 

CJ: Does it feel like a pressure to have people posting on social media about how much impact you have on their life?  

JA: It feels like a privilege. Talking about my journey will always open up old wounds, but the trade-off feels worth it. To see people saying things I’ve said or songs I’ve made have stopped them doing terrible things to themselves is the point of life, you know? If I can’t give back, what’s the point of me having a platform and a stage I can share positive messages from? 

CJ: What is one thing that could change so more young people can be sat where I am? Because thousands of people are struggling like I was and have no way to get support. 

JA: That’s a good question. And if I’m totally honest with you, I don’t know. But don’t give up on your passion. Do it by any means necessary. Because that is the thing that will save your life, and you know that firsthand. If you fill your life with things you love doing, you’re generally going to have better mental health. I don’t know what your ambitions are as a drummer, or if you want to be the next Dave Grohl. But it doesn’t matter. Just play the drums. As long as you can still do your passion, that’s a great life. 

CJ: Thank you so much – this is my bucket list ticked off! And if you’re looking for a drummer in 20 years… 

JA: Keep at it. I’ll absolutely have you play at one of my shows. 

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