James Arthur, known for being the winner of the ninth series of X Factor in 2012 as well as his number one hit, Impossible which sold over 2.5 million copies in the same year. Now in this interview with North East Bylines we discover his opinions on being back in the north, the culture of the north as well as his own inspirations behind his music.
How do you feel performing back in the North-East now that the cultural sector is opening up again?
I’m excited. I specifically wanted a ‘hometown’ show on this tour, it’s something that was really important to me. I’ve always felt so supported by the local people so to bring them a show was something I was determined to do. I love that I get to play in Stockton on the day before the Royal Albert Hall in London, what more could I ask for?!
Obviously, you are a local lad from just down the road in ‘boro… how have your North East roots influenced your music?
I say all the time that I think being from where I’m from has had a huge influence on my music and my lyrics. I feel like I wouldn’t even be doing this if it weren’t for my background and my upbringing. There’s something about being from this region, I think we give the good fight and don’t give up all that easily, and that’s something that has stood me in good stead in my career for sure.
Stockton Globe has recently had £28m refurb after lying dormant as an entertainment venue since 1974, how important do you think investments in cultural redevelopments are for the region?
It goes without saying that investment in our music venues is paramount to their survival, especially after the last couple of years. And music and the wider culture is what makes the north east what it is to me. We have to look after that.
What are the inspirations behind your new album ‘It’ll All Make Sense in the End’? Was lockdown a creative time for you?
I can’t lie, at first it wasn’t. I sat around and played FIFA for a good while to start with – I think we all did, right? But I’m so lucky to be in the position where I could set up an amazing studio in my house and get writing. In all honesty, I don’t know how I’d have got through it if it weren’t for making this album.
Soon it’s your 10-year career anniversary, how has James Arthur evolved in a decade?
I guess in some ways the evolution is pretty evident – for one thing I’m 10 years older! But at the same time, anyone who has known me this whole time will tell you I’m the same guy now that I was then. It’s so mad to me that it’s been that long though. I feel so hugely privileged and genuinely humbled to have done this for a decade now.
Compared to when you first started off, how do you think the North-East’s attitude towards culture and music has developed?
It’s certainly changing, like you mentioned, the investment in music and culture in the area like the refurb at The Globe definitely helps. But I actually think music and culture have always been important to the region. It’s a passionate area and it’s so easy to be passionate about music.
What challenges have you overcome throughout the process organising your tour? Particularly after the last couple of years.
The big one that stands out right now is that I should be in rehearsals at the moment and I’m at home with covid! But I get out of isolation in a few days, and I can’t wait to join my band and get this show ready to go.
What should your fans look forward to seeing most at your show? Any special surprises?
You know there are always some surprises! It’s a long setlist, and so I’m able to do all the songs people know and love and some fan favourites for good measure. There’ll be new stuff, old stuff, and I just want everyone to have a good time since we haven’t been able to do this for so long!
