John Newman talks to us about his latest single ‘Feelings’, the pressures of the music industry and how he is climbing the stairs to a Wembley headline show!
Hi John, how are you and what have you been up to recently? John Newman
Hey! I’ve been promoting myself to the end of the world and back.
You’ve just released your new single ‘Feelings’. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?
For a long time I wish I could say I took a break. Well, I did to get healthy, but aside from that I spent my time in a bit of a writer’s block smacking my head against the wall writing a bunch of tunes which didn’t do that smash hit thing. It was the reaction I wasn’t getting from everyone; in terms of positive feedback, I was never getting the feeling I wanted…
During your recent period of ill health, did you find yourself having regrets or reflecting on life and how you want to make the most of it? How do you think it’s altered your perspective on life?
No. I do not regret anything in my life; it’s a journey, a path, leading you in the way it’s meant to, as long as you always try to maintain a positive outset.
After your time out from music, you returned last March. How did it feel making a ‘comeback’?
Bloody marvelous.
You have said that you struggled with depression as a youngster, which will resonate with many students. What changed for you to pull you out of depression, and how do you remain positive? To be honest I have very difficult days with it now from the pressure of music. It’s understandable why when people say they’re not into something, they make you want to scream in their face “do you know how much this means to me?” Especially in the modern day music industry where there is more competition than ever before. In all honesty, I don’t deal with my depression sometimes and I lose that positivity which has been so strong before, but I am human.
How would you describe your music?
It’s an expression of emotion and banging sing-along.
What’s your favourite aspect of being an artist?
Touring the world and seeing so many incredible cultures and meeting the amazing people who support me as an artist.
What’s next for John Newman?
Steps, it’s all steps. Yeah, I have hard days where I want to be number 1 immediately, but who wouldn’t? I have to slowly climb the stairs to that headline Wembley show…
What’s been your most embarrassing moment?
I rip my trousers on stage most nights.
In the event of a zombie apocalypse, what would be your plan of action?
Save my wife, jump in my rally car, and start mowing down a load of green weird walking people.
More info on John Newman
https://johnnewman.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/johnnewmanmusic
https://twitter.com/JohnNewmanMusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnnewmanmusic
