James Arthur is on top of his game right now.
The X Factor winner made a successful return to music in 2016 with the stunning ballad, Say You Wont Let Go, which led to the number one album, Back From the Edge.
It was the perfect pick-me-up for a talented singer who had lost his way in the notoriously challenging music industry.
Now, James is back with an equally gorgeous new single, Empty Space, but is even more aware of how to manage his mental health this time round.
Recalling how he battled panic attacks after soaring to fame on The X Factor, James, 30, told Metro.co.uk: I feel very equipped to deal with it now. Once upon a time I had no idea what was going on, I was having several panic attacks a day.
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Turns out I was smoking on an ungodly amount of weed, eating badly.
I was setting off triggers and didnt even know what triggers were. Everyday I wake up, I have to be aware of it. I guess its like addiction, if youve got alcoholism you have to keep an eye on your drinking.
James has always been vocal about his mental health and hopes that the conversation, particularly for men, will continue.
The popstar said: Speaking about it really is the best medicine. For anyone whos going through it, if you could just muster up enough courage to say Im struggling, that first step could be the biggest one.
While James is in a more positive place, his new release Empty Space, holds just the same amount of raw honesty as his last album.
The haunting music video is beautifully shot and stars Harry Potter star Tom Felton as a broken man looking back at a past relationship with regret.
If youre trying to find the best way to get over a break-up, James has the best answer: Eat loads of junk food like McDonalds probably!
He added: No, just focus on something you really love, set goals. I think with depression, setting small and long-term goals is the best thing to do.
James said of Empty Space: Loss in general is a subject Im familiar with, Ive been through heartbreak in my life in some form or other. Its something I can easily write about. Its not a direct reflection of whats been going on in my life recently. The whole concept of this album is taking the attention off of me and telling other peoples stories.
As for Toms star turn in the music video, James admits he was thrilled when the Draco Malfoy actor put himself up for the role.
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The pair didnt actually have the chance to meet on-set as James was working in Brazil, but they have plans to hang out together in Los Angeles.
We cast the net and Tom Felton was one of the first to get back to us and Im a huge fan, I think hes amazing and obviously Harry Potter. Hes huge so I was just like, “Yes, definitely”. He was like when Im in LA we should have a sing-song as hes banging out his music. Itll be a wild one, James revealed.
Wed love to be a fly-on-the-wall.
James is ready for a new chapter of his comeback.
His next album, which will be his third, will take the attention away from James who is keen to write more from others perspectives.
The songwriter said of this recording process: Its allowed me to use my imagination a bit more.
With the success of Back From The Edge defining this new era of James Arthur, the singer isnt so worried about proving himself this time.
James explained: Once I re-established myself, Id taken back the creative control and Im not trying to prove myself as much. Im always trying to prove myself but Im not trying to make a comeback right now. The desperation isnt there as much.
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The songs are much more free.
I think Im a better artist now because Im not worried about if Im going to disappear again.
Were going to say theres no chance of that happening right now.
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MORE: James Arthur drops heartbreaking Empty Space video with Harry Potters Tom Felton
MORE: X Factors James Arthur secretly flies to Brazil to film cameo in worlds biggest soap opera
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