John Newman, the voice behind numerous hit songs, most notably the UK number one single “Love Me Again,” is known to many as the singer who catapulted to global recognition with Rudimental’s “Feel The Love.” However, this acclaimed vocalist is currently navigating a fascinating evolution in his career.
A period marked by health challenges, including surgery and treatment for brain tumors on two separate occasions, inevitably led to a pause in his music career. This time away from the limelight was a period of significant personal growth, encompassing marriage, mental health evaluation, and pivotal decisions regarding his future musical direction.
Having made a robust recovery, John Newman has returned to the music scene with a compelling new chapter, embracing a thrilling twist in his artistic journey.
This summer saw him take on two significant dates in Ibiza for Tomorrowland presents Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike at Ushuaïa. Ahead of his performance in June, we had the opportunity to speak with the award-winning singer-songwriter who has now transitioned into a dynamic hybrid-live DJ act.
John Newman at Ushuaïa Ibiza
John Newman: Reborn on the Dance Floor
Hi John, welcome to Ibiza! Is this a fleeting visit for the show, or are you enjoying an extended stay?
“I’m actually staying right here at Ushuaïa, which is both convenient and surreal, playing at the venue where I’m also residing. The atmosphere here is incredible.”
Beyond performing, do you manage to explore Ibiza beyond the party scene?
“Absolutely! Earlier today, we rented scooters and explored the island, discovering some beautiful, tranquil beaches on the quieter side. Last night, we experienced Ibiza’s Old Town, which was amazing – a rooftop bar followed by the vibrant port area.
Interestingly, I even had my stag do here, though the memories are a bit hazy!“
John Newman enjoying Ibiza
You’re establishing yourself not just as John Newman Singer-songwriter, but also as a DJ and producer. How are you navigating this transition?
“It’s undeniably been a challenging but exciting shift. People often find change difficult; they appreciate novelty but also seek comfort in familiarity. For me, music is about constant evolution, much like how House music evolved from Disco and Soul.
My reconnection with dance music felt natural after my career break. Of course, venturing into a new area carries risks. Some long-time fans might not immediately embrace it, but I’m committed to this direction and truly believe in it.
This journey has reconnected me with my younger self and shown me the extent to which I can push my own boundaries. I’m incredibly happy I took this leap.”
What has the overall reception been to your new DJ sets?
“When people experience my live show, they really seem to understand and connect with it. The energy from the crowd is phenomenal.”
John Newman performing live DJ set
You intentionally stepped away from music before returning with this fresh musical approach. What significant lessons did you learn during that period?
“Artists are expected to be emotionally open. Our profession is inherently emotionally exposing, and that can take a significant toll on mental health. We all experience life’s highs and lows, and the pressure in this industry is immense.
Sometimes we have positive experiences and feel ready to share our emotions. Other times, we don’t, but the demand for content persists. In today’s fast-paced climate of constant single releases, there’s often little room for artistic reinvention.
Artists can be viewed as machines relentlessly working. We’re increasingly witnessing artists struggling mentally and physically, as highlighted online and in documentaries.”
John Newman reflecting on mental health
“I experienced a significant breakdown. My mental health suffered. It became crucial for me to confront the difficult thoughts I was having and reassess my path. Was it all worth it? At that point, it didn’t feel like it.
So, I prioritized recovery and set music aside for a while – about eighteen months before I even opened my laptop again. When I did, the first thing I did was start producing dance music. I believe it’s essential for everyone to take time to pause and reflect.”
It’s understood that you incorporate singing into your DJ sets, creating a hybrid-live experience. Does this mean fans still get to hear John Newman singer classics during your performances?
“Absolutely – those songs are incredibly important to me!
With three number-one singles that achieved global success, it would be remiss of me not to include them. So, when developing my live show, integrating those hits was my top priority. The challenge was, how do I seamlessly blend these songs into this new DJ format?“
John Newman performing hybrid DJ set
“In my performances, I DJ and sing live on stage simultaneously.
Around 90 percent of my set is self-produced, including the drops. The remaining 10 percent includes tracks from other artists. I also sample and loop my own vocals, which adds another layer of complexity. It’s a unique approach, quite different from typical DJ sets.
To me, it feels like delivering a headline show experience, which is what’s truly exciting.
I believe the big dance stages have seen a lot of the same headliners for a long time, and my vision is to bring something fresh and different to that space.”
What are Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike like to work with as party hosts?
“While my memory of our first meeting is a bit vague, it might well have been here at Ushuaïa last summer. They are incredibly chilled and genuinely nice guys. I greatly admire their work ethic. They have been in this industry for a long time and continue to give it their all.”
John Newman with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Have you previously performed at the Tomorrowland festival itself?
“I performed at Tomorrowland Winter earlier this year, which was a significant learning experience. In fact, I’m learning something new from every performance at the moment.
I am incredibly excited about my upcoming debut on the main stage at Tomorrowland.
I hope this moment will clarify my new direction for those who have followed my music or seen me perform live. It should provide a clearer understanding of this new era and help me reach a wider audience.”
Is it true that your single “Hold On To My Love” was written here in Ibiza? What is it about the island that inspires you as John Newman singer and producer?
“Ibiza possesses a unique spiritual magic. I think it’s the layered history that continues to evolve here. I find it incredibly inspiring. I remember as a child, a friend’s parents would holiday in Ibiza.
He’d return with club posters, and I thought, ‘wow, that’s so cool’.
I had posters of Space, Amnesia, and Pacha on my wall and grew up listening to artists like Paul van Dyk and early Tiësto – all these sounds, particularly Trance, that originated from Ibiza. It’s always been a hugely inspirational place for music.”
“With ‘Hold On To My Love,’ I wanted to capture that inspirational essence within the track itself during production. For me, the key element of Ibiza is the powerful emotion and feelings it evokes, which I believe is reflected in the single.”
With your return on August 2nd approaching, marking peak summer season, what’s on your agenda between now and then?
“I have a busy schedule of gigs across Europe this summer, and I’ll be continually refining and developing my live show. Tomorrowland’s main stage performance is a major highlight. I’m also performing on the Smash The House stage the weekend prior.
Finally, a significant collaboration is in progress, but that’s still under wraps for now.”
It sounds like an amazing summer is ahead. We’re looking forward to your show today and your return in early August.
John Newman Summer Tour
Following successful performances at Tomorrowland in Belgium last weekend and upcoming, John Newman will be back on stage at Ushuaïa alongside Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike on Wednesday, August 2nd.
Tickets for this peak season date and the complete Tomorrowland schedule are available below.
