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09th Jul 2023

Lewis Capaldi: ‘I spend most of the time hating myself’

Steve Hopkins

Capaldi

The singer has spoken of his struggles after performing a heartbreaking set at Glastonbury

Just days after announcing he was stopping touring for the “foreseeable future” after struggling through his Glastonbury Set, Lewis Capaldi has spoken of just how painful the creative process is for him.

On June 27, Capaldi told his fans that he was taking more time off – having already taken several weeks off in the lead-up to Glastonbury – as he continues to battle mental health issues and the impact of Tourettes.

Writing on Instagram, the 26-year-old said: “I used to be able to enjoy every second of show like this and I’d hoped three weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of Tourette’s and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.”

Lewis Capaldi opens up on his songwriting process

Appearing on the First We Feast show Hot Ones, the Grammy-nominated artist told host Sean Evans that he spends “most of the time hating myself when I’m writing songs”.

While tucking into increasing spicy wings, Capaldi went on: “I think that’s fine – that’s my process.

“I subject the general public to the pain of listening to music, so I feel like I should have to suffer as well,” he joked.

Sean asked if Capaldi had any advice for people feeling inadequate, and Capaldi who is in part a national treasure for his, often, inappropriate humour, joked that everyone is going to die alone.

The Scottish songwriter then said: “It’s such a good question. Erm, if you’re out there and feeling inadequate it’s probably just because you are. If you feel like an imposter and you shouldn’t be doing the things you are doing, it’s probably because you’re stuck.

“You’re going to die alone is what I’m trying to say here. Life is meaningless is what I’m trying to say. None of this means anything and hell is waiting for us all!”

Capaldi released his second album, Broken By Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, in May.

It debuted at No 1, with 95,000 units sold, making it the fastest-selling album of the year.

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