The music industry has left Lewis Capaldi with internal “Bruises.” The Scottish singer recently got candid with Apple Music’s Rebecca Judd about his struggles with mental health and how his sophomore album reflects his current mindset.
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Capaldi released (May 19) his highly anticipated LP, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent. The tracklist includes 12 vulnerable songs that touch upon his battle with Tourette syndrome, keeping up with the fast-paced music industry, and the negative repercussions of fame.
“I think on this album in particular, I talk a bit more about my mental health, which has taken a beating over the last little while,” explained the crooner. “My mental health issues are a direct symptom of my job.”
The 26-year-old, who has scored five whopping No.1 singles in less than five years, says his love for performing has kept him going. He admits that touring has become a daunting task, as it has caused him significant stress throughout the years.
“I was in a bad way where I was just having panic attacks every single day on stage, and I was just shy,” confessed Capaldi. “I still haven’t quite got there, but it’s interesting that this thing that you love to do and you’ve always wanted to do becomes something that causes you such distress, but such is the modern world.”
The hitmaker told the outlet that he’s currently in a good place with his mental health. Although, if Capaldi begins to recognize negative warning signs and starts to fall into a downward spiral, he is willing to step away from music for good.
“Right now, I’m at a point where I can balance my mental health and how I feel in general. The trade-off is worth it,” he uttered. “I’ll take a few panic attacks and my Tourett’s and stuff for what’s happening, but if it gets to the point where things get worse mentally and I stop kind of looking after myself in that regard, I think that would be a point where I’d be like, ‘I’m just not going to do this anymore.’”
The “Someone You Loved” artist continued, “If I did another album and my head was scrambled, and I felt horrible… if it was becoming something that was causing me stress, then that’s when I would probably pack it in.”
Capaldi’s second studio album includes his smash single “Wish You The Best.” The pop music mainstay worked with critically acclaimed producer Max Martin (Taylor Swift), GRAMMY-winning songwriter Malay, and Phil Plested to cultivate the heart-wrenching LP.
While “Pointless” brings the beauty of love to the forefront, “The Pretender” explores his underlying struggle with anxiety. His story is not just told through each razor-sharp track, but in Netflix’s documentary, How I’m Feeling Now.
Photo by Sven Hoogerhuis/BSR Agency/Getty Images
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