James Blake explains how working on his mental health has impacted his music: “Less anxiety equals more creativity”
James Blake has opened up about the role working on his mental health has played on his music, revealing that he feels much more grounded in his work and life than ever before.
In 2019, the singer-songwriter clapped back at the “sad boy” title he appeared to have earned, deeming it “sad and problematic”. He also explained that this kind of stigmatisation was one of the reasons men struggle to express themselves.
Now, Blake has reflected on the place of male emotionality in the music industry, sharing in a new interview with The Standard that he “can definitely see less shame directed at men expressing themselves.”
In terms of his own emotional world, the star shared that he has done “a lot of the work on myself” and is now in a better mental place.
He went on, “Now, I’ve settled. I’m in maybe a more reflective place, maybe less tumultuous.”
In line with his new album, Trying Times, set for a March 13th release, the Mercury Prize-winner has revealed that less emotional volatility has invited more creativity into his life.
Blake explained, “Less anxiety equals more creativity. I think that’s been the myth for a long time, that anxiety and depression are the sources of creativity, and they’re not. If anything, anxiety and depression block that from happening.”
Looking ahead at the new project, Blake also gushed, “I’m shouting from the rooftops about this album. I don’t think we put a foot wrong with it. I’m so proud of it.”
Blake’s last release was in 2023, where he returned to his roots with the dynamic Playing Robots Into Heaven. This followed on from 2021’s introspective Friends That Break Your Heart.
Later this month, Blake will perform a series of intimate homecoming shows around the UK, taking place in Brighton, London, Bristol, Marlborough, Kingston, Liverpool, and Sheffield.
Listen to the first single from Trying Times, ‘Death of Love’, below.
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