On the commercial success of “Say You Won’t Let Go,” he said, “That felt like a dream come true. It’s the ultimate sense of achievement. This time last year, I was looking at a pretty mediocre career, and things have just escalated to the ninth degree. I went to performing and reaching more people, and thankfully, this song has allowed to do that around the world. I’m very happy at the moment.”
Arthur continued, “It’s very honest, and that’s what we wanted to achieve with it. It’s an honest, conversational love song that people can relate to.”
This Saturday, July 29, he is playing Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on Long Island with OneRepublic, as well as Fitz And The Tantrums. “Jones Beach is such a prestigious venue. It is a famous venue. I played there once before for a radio show, but to be playing there with OneRepublic, one of the biggest bands in the world, that’s sensational,” he said.
Each day, Arthur is motivated by life. “Life is beautiful and it’s what we make of it. I think that we just have to learn its lessons. I’m motivated by overcoming adversity all the time, and learning about life. You never stop learning. I get to channels those lessons in my music,” he said.
On his future plans, Arthur said, “I want to produce more records, and get people interested in my sound and my songs, and hopefully, help people with it. Hopefully, I can provide some kind of therapy for people with my music.”
Regarding the digital transformation of the music scene, Arthur said, “I think technology has changed it in a positive way. There is certainly more content out there, because of technology and social media. It can only be a positive thing. It’s easier to record now, and we can make music quicker and more efficiently.”
Over the last five years, Arthur admitted that looking back, he sees a “lot of valuable lessons learned and a lot of growth, and growing pains as well.” “I see a lot of music that I’m proud of and I think I’ve done a lot of good and I try to look forward,” he said.
Arthur listed gospel singer Kim Burrell as his dream female duet choice in music, along with global music stars Sia, Beyonce and Ariana Grande. “I think Sia is a great singer and artist. I have a little bit of a crush on Ariana Grande,” he admitted.
For aspiring singer-songwriters, he said, “To stay true to you and believe in yourself. The belief system is a powerful thing. If you can believe and visualize the type of music you want to make and the way you want it to impact people, then I feel you can’t go wrong very far. Follow your heart.”
To learn more about British pop singing sensation James Arthur, check out his official homepage.
