Artistic, honest, and controversial singer James Arthur was first known for his win on the ninth season of the UK’s The X Factor in 2012. His debut song, a cover of Shontelle’s “Impossible”, went #1 in 35 countries. His latest “Say You Won’t Let Go” is currently #1 in the UK and Australia and climbing Billboard’s Hot 100 in the US. He sits down with KFOG to talk about his start with The X Factor, his falling out with Simon Cowell’s record label, and his latest album.

The musician was performing gigs at local pubs and clubs before auditioning for The X Factor. Arthur recalls:

I was ten years deep in the music game. I was recording music. I was putting it on the internet with whatever money I had. My lights went out in my apartment. I was calling friends and family. Eventually, my mom said ‘The X Factor is in town. They brought a truck to Middlesbrough, where I’m from. Just go down, sing them a song, see what they think, and I’ll give you some money then you don’t have to sit in the dark for the next few days. ‘

Arthur was hesitant at first. He had imagined making it as an artist the long, hard way. But at 24-years-old and minimal opportunities otherwise, he gave it a shot. “I went, I sang them a song. The next thing I know, I’ve won X Factor.” Casual.

But dealing with all that comes with instant success isn’t as cut-and-dry:

Everything went crazy for me overnight, which was quite scary. I actually didn’t deal well with the pressure and the fame.

It eventually led to “a bit of a meltdown” for the young artist, and he broke ties with Syco Music (Simon Cowell’s record label). After nearly three years of time off, Arthur came back refreshed with his heartbreakingly sweet track “Say You Won’t Let Go” off his second album Back from the Edge under Columbia Records.

Arthur is proud of his musical journey so far. As an overnight success story who’s already overcome the shock of fame, we have a good hunch it’s only just begun.