James Bay: Imposter Syndrome, Trauma & Controlling The Voice In Your Head | E166

James Bay is a BRIT-award winning musician who’s sold over 5 million records, and one of the most personal and authentic artists working in the field today. Never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve in his work, his artistry has helped millions of people articulate feelings in their own heart of love, regret, and friendships made and ended.
00:00 Intro
01:30 Childhood
08:50 Idle time, insecurities & expectations
23:13 Becoming a musician and its learnings
35:06 How did it change your life?
45:10 Your albums and their influence
49:45 Would you change anything?
52:01 Your mental health
01:02:15 The consequences and symptoms of your inner voice
01:15:26 The cost of fame
01:22:54 Your partner
01:29:17 Your latest album
01:40:31 Our last guest’s question
James:
/ jamesbaymusic
/ jamesbaymusic
James’ new album:
www.jamesbay.com
Listen on:
Apple podcast - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT...
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[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Appreciate you all for watching! If you could do me a massive favour and hit the like button, it helps this channel out massively 🙏

[@mundea]

I shall continually hit that like button as long as you and your team provide the most elite content available 😎🤝

[@Cj-wu1jz]

You need to get dermot kennedy on.... 🙌🏻💖

[@thomasdawe1270]

Amazing Episode today!! great to hear James's story!! keep doing what you are doing!! amazing podcast!!

[@mariamysoul]

One of the most honest interviews I have ever seen about the juxtaposition of being an artist. Thank you. Your questions and listening skills create the most natural interview. The only minus in your videos are your adds, they seem so unnecessary. Do you really need more money ? It takes us out of the beautiful safe space you've created. Reminding us, that we as humans are only seen as valuable if we are consumers. Your whole show seems to be about the exact opposite, your true curiosity about what it means to be human. Maybe you can challenge the concept of needing adds within your show. Just a thought.....

[@Offgrid_travel]

I love James Bay’s songs. Also it is Interesting that his daughter name is Ada. In Indonesian that means “present”

[@janewiltshire4651]

Man alive, what an inciteful, thoughtful, engaging guest. Impossible to fail to be impressed by his engaging manner, lucidity and humbleness. Much food for thought, essentially pondering what it means to be human. We all share this life experience, with highs, lows, and many misgivings along the way. And that's all OK. And completely normal.

[@paigefrnglomg]

The way he speaks so highly of Lucy 😩 My heart!! I just want to give both of them a big hug

[@Mor_timer]

James is the male version of Adele musically, the modern music industry just hasn't realized that yet!! he is a gem

[@roubs1087]

The way James speaks about Lucy is the purest type form of love I have ever heard. It is just so beautiful - thank you for sharing.

[@nikita27sharma]

So nice to see a proper interview of James! One of his biggest fans of his music. So nice to see he is so "human" and shared his vulnerabilities so openly- incredibly brave! Can't wait to see him in November

[@verenavetter6267]

Just discovered this video. James Bay is the person that affected and inspired me the most when it comes to music and art. Saw him live about two months ago and it was a breathtaking experience for me. Hearing him speak about mental health and all this personal stuff opens my eyes a little bit more for the details in his songs. Truly an inspiring humble person to listen to🙏🏻

[@Dynamic221]

This man, beyond having the voice of an angel and being insanely talented, is beyond beautiful, inside and out. All of that self doubt, a symptom of being human unfortunately, I hope is eased somewhat by his knowing how many people he has inspired and comforted with his music.

[@lyallg7925]

My daughter (24) and I adore James Bay. There are not many current artists who we love. We waited years for James to come back to Australia. We travelled to the Gold Coast to see him. We were somewhat disappointed that it was as only a 40 minute show. What we did see and hear, was as we expected amazing. Can’t speak highly enough of him, both as an artist and a person. Career wise I think he tried to change too quickly….thank goodness he morphed back to the James we fell in love with because we (as an audience majority), just were not ready for the change. Hopefully there will be many more visits to Australia for James, and longer concerts please James. One hour just is not enough.

[@svetlanazivanovic4822]

Kako divan čovek! Veliki umetnik sa divnom dušom koju nesebično deli sa nama svojom muzikom, rečima...Želim njemu i njegovoj divnoj porodici svu sreću🍀 Poštovanje i veliki pozdrav iz Beograd-Srbija❤️🇷🇸❣️

[@mikejessop7126]

Bloody hell! Hearing someone talk about the inner voice beating themselves up and explaining their issues and process for improvement has resonated with me, brilliantly. A wonderfully candid interview and wonderfully reassuring that wading through the river is something we all suffer and process.

[@sarahwebber4287]

Being the biggest James Bay fan for many years, I’m not sure how I’m just finding this interview until now!! What a great conversation, he’s so genuine, humble, authentic and the most talented. Love hearing his honesty, I have so much more appreciation and respect for him

[@MontanaCal]

After decades of living with the voices and knowing how unpopular speaking about these issues is, it is refreshing to see a “human” within an artist speaking his truth

[@BellaDaiLove]

James, your stories, words, and music are healing for whoever is going through those phases of their lives. The impact might not be measured or ranked BUT it is VERY VERY valuable for humanity. Thank you and appreciate this channel that brings up those topics and discussions. #GRATITUDE

[@RE3DT]

I could listen to this guy all day, super interesting

[@bwendy2]

I agree idle time is essential and allow my 16 yr old quiet shy boy. I'm just knowing James Bay, but wow does he remind me of my son. I'm sharing. Thank you for being so open.

[@tashussain560]

Loved this podcast, James Bay was articulate and inciteful. I got such a buzz from listening to this. Thank you.

[@kbh9675]

I like how candid he is with his deep emotions. everybody may have them but not everybody share them like James did.

[@Cathyat40]

James is so well-spoken.

[@Donddd12345]

This is such a fantastic channel. Each time I watch a conversation it’s nourishing in so many ways. It’s so helpful to listen to humans being honest and vulnerable and sharing their experience openly. James is clearly a genuine person.

[@fightinandirish]

I've heard some of James's music before and seen videos of him playing live. As an aspiring musician I just looked at this accomplished person and thought - "How can I be like that, someone so well-put together and confident, owning the stage?" Thank you James for being real with us and showing us that we're all human, we all have our trials and demons. Thanks for this podcast!

[@paulphoenixfitness]

I agree, i feel like hes saying hes had his success in 2014 which wasn't planned, but cant seem to replicate it, which is always difficult to replicate something which was naturally viral

[@James-iz9qb]

Imposter syndrome is actually not a syndrome in this situation. Its a natural reaction to the fact that success in music is mostly due to luck/factors outside of your control. So you don't actually 'deserve' it more than many other struggling people. The solution is to just be grateful for your good fortune- and don't let others make you feel bad that you were luckier than them because you took nothing from them

[@lizziethelemon]

Thank you for that explanation and perspective!

[@pazo321]

Wow!!!! What a human being. Thank you...stay in their bud and find your peace. Please don't give up.

[@sullebasi]

Just let it go 😢 What a wonderful person he is ❤

[@ethanashton6738]

Thank you for sharing your story so freely and vulnerably. It's profoundly comforting to not feel alone in the endless reel of these thoughts and feelings. I am grateful to you both for everything you do, truly. Keep on keeping it real -- you're going to change the world.

[@JDA4]

I absolutely love James Bay. I fell in love with his music in 2015 and saw him live in 2016. He’s as real and as talented as it gets. I can’t wait to see him again in November. The new album is beautiful. James, thanks for your raw vulnerability and truth. Thank you for your music- it’s touched my life. I wish you could see yourself through the eyes of all of us who adore you. Massive congratulations to you, your wife and baby girl!

[@heyitsjamieson]

So refreshing to see an artist that is vulnerable and willing to be 100% themselves.

[@hrefname]

Incredible conversation, now I understand why James' music transmit so much. He is a person extremely attuned with his feelings. Looking forward to enjoying more amazing art from him.

[@dripdrip08]

It's nice to hear about the struggles from fellow creatives, it's all very relatable

[@dasuzmeister9003]

Great interview! Just wanted to put it on the record that Electric Light is my favorite James Bay album so far! I was disappointed many other Chaos fanatics couldn't get on board with the style shift, but Electric Light will stand the test of time very well. Keep making music for us, James!

[@biancacamacho9431]

I love James Bay ❤️. I recently discovered his music from a Fender video 🎸. Music has this magic in it that as soon as you listen to someone , from the way they play , to the sound & message they are singing You can feel how it resonates with you✨. Thanks for interviewed him & open this window to his history not only as a musician, but as a human being as well. Sometimes creative people develop an imposter syndrome due to the pressure that society puts into them. The constant insecurity & uncertainty that not feeling good enough, among the competitive society we live in really push them to work even harder that others. So When the success comes after years of hard work it feels like an ilussion, like “ I can’t believe this is happening to me “ because society set that self image of not being good enough. We love you and your music James ❤Please come to Mexico!🇲🇽

[@Cazza1206]

90s parents have a lot to answer for 😆 I get the guilts just having a day off, even now in my 40's. Great podcast as usual, thank you ❤

[@paulamahone8201]

My husband and I were 40+ year old parents of young children. I wonder what you mean "we have a lot to answer for". It seems like a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. We encouraged creative time, unscheduled time, alone time as well as trying new, unexpected things. My late 20's sons complain we zigged when we should have zagged. Actually think we should have uprooted family and incredible jobs and community involvement to allow attendance at prestigious east coast basketball academies and Nike teams. Never insisted they work as teens but required volunteer and experiential opportunities. I've been told we set the bar too high! One son believes each generation should do better than the previous and we left them no where to go. Often resisted mentorship from interested friends and collegues. Insists on doing most things on his own biut looks to parents for financing. Sons are from an ethnic minority and resented ostracism regarding their social status and academic abilities.from classmates and friends. We ate dinner together almost every night and relished teachable moments. Presently, sons view their childhood as directionless but over bearing. I have tried to see things from their POV but I call BS. Acceptance of ack of achievement is hard and need to 'create' a reason. Grieves me. I take solace in the fact that they are young and have time to right the ship!

[@paulamahone8201]

I kept listening. James answered me.... He said it's a matter of PERSPECTIVE! I have renewed hope. Praise God

[@gillfoster8385]

great interview, the soul-searching James is doing is a gift to every one of his fans. I am unsure perfection exists, and its meaning is different to every one of us, but I know these voices inside that takeover and control your life are awful. I was diagnosed with ADHD recently at 46 and its only when I received support from medication that those extreme erratic thoughts stopped. I thought everyone had them, I was losing my mind, a constant internal battle that was draining. Only now do I know what it is to feel inner peace without excessive negative thoughts on replay. I'm not saying James has ADHD, but consideration for anyone who is struggling internally.

[@florentin8789]

He is such a beautiful person

[@elliessuperfoods]

It's typical neurosis symptoms (I'm not a psychiatrist), but I do suffer from it. So I know how hard it is to live with oneself, poor James. It is like you CONSTANTLY think in a bad way about yourself, what can happen, what you should've done better, how you screw up, how you can't do it, how they are better than you, it is like you stand in your own way all the time, and it is very exhausting, but it's invisible to anyone. What HELPED me (through therapy) was: positively talking to myself, like I was my best friend (I wouldn't do nor say this bad stuff to a friend), focusing on my strength and cheering myself up instead of dragging myself down (not allowing the bad voices to come truth, forcing myself to do that at first), accepting that I'm not perfect, expressing my emotions to people very honestly, allowing myself to rest, meditation, exercising (endorphins), journaling, rationalizing the thoughts (are they true?), and practising gratitude. Good luck, James, you are such a good soul it hurts watching you suffer like that as well. Thank you, Steven and your Team.

[@PHlophe]

the part about james saying the parents instilled a sense of guilt that when he was playing or chilling he'd think "shouldn't i be helping the parents, what about home work, house chores etc" is soooo relatable because its very much old school toxicity because you could be idle on the sofa and the second a parent walks in you think about something you should be doing . and when they yell " DO SOMETHING !!! "

[@FIL1994]

It’s not toxicity, it’s good parenting. It installs hard work in kids instead of watching tv all day

[@dripdrip08]

@@FIL1994 no its not

[@fightinandirish]

@@FIL1994 There's a balance to these things.

[@svong8789]

@@FIL1994 I agree. People have so much more rewarding lives when they use their time wisely.

[@ludwinadautovic]

What a beautiful and honest conversation. Thank you. I’ll be listening to the album.

[@kerriebarton6052]

What a lovely great thoughtful young fellow who will still have an abundance of life and material to come for the rest of his life and " should stop giving him self of a hard time ", this is how he gets to stay so humble which is great. Wonderful down to earth smart pure heart 💜 oh and love your music.

[@mamaspooky]

I absolutely loved this interview, James Bay you are so genuine and an amazing artist, I feel honoured to have your music in my life, always know "you've got this" 🤗🎸🎩 x

[@user-gl3rn2ni5v]

This man sounds really crazy,one of the best thing about him is that,his simplicity and deep lyrics.💜💜💜

[@JohnDeanMusic]

Great episode, got a chance to see James open for Ed Sheeran in Rome at a soccer stadium... Probably 50 thousand people there.. summer of 2019, never really listened to his music before then and I remember him being so captivating, he threw his guitar pick into the crowd and gave a wink, at that moment I realized this dude is really cool. I play music myself for resorts in Southern California, and whenever I play let it go, I think of that moment where James just felt so sincere. He's a great artist and I'm happy he's as open as he is hear. You have an amazing channel here, been here the last month or so watching different episodes and it has really become one of my favorite channels to tune into. Thanks!

[@__Liza__]

A woman can only dream of being adored and described in such a way... They truly have it all.

[@anne-marielloyd296]

I love DCEO, this has to be one of my favourite chats, James Bay has a new fan

[@jesclifford88]

I love all the interviews you do and everyone you have on, always has alot to offer. You ask insightful questions and just let them talk. A rare quality and it has amazing results. Thank you both.

[@atoz19ful]

Thanks for always bringing the coolest people in the world on your show

[@katmuls]

Great conversation. Thank you, James and Steven. James, I play your music almost daily. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@norakastrati733]

This was such a raw and real conversation. Thank you James for being You 🤍 I’m happy i discovered this channel!!

[@annielockwood1355]

Please get James Arthur on here, he’s such a beautiful soul and would love to connect with him more 🤎

[@apexphaser8768]

absolutely agree

[@thersia6797]

Ao visualizar pela primeira vez James Bay, com um chapel e guitarra a cantar eu, tive essa pela sensação de alma linda, nobre,simples e ser humano do bem! daí virei fã do seu trabalho,sua voz e tô sempre na torcida por ele.'_'♥️🇧🇷🎧

[@lyricallygames]

This was a great podcast. Possibly the best one I’ve listened to in DOAC. I love the idea of idle time. Thanks so much for publishing this!

[@joshdance9959]

Hey I really enjoyed this. James is a really low key, inspired, and genuine guy. Thanks 🎸👍🎸

[@MarcinPietrzycki]

It's a honor to be your fan man, you're inspiring not only in musical way but also as a humble, normal person!

[@svetlana13]

James Bay .. wow! Thank you for such an AMAZING guest ❤️

[@mweembesikaulu7758]

So insightful and relatable. Thoroughly enjoyed this interview!

[@andreaplopezr]

This feels like a live therapy session. Love it.

[@annettehope2023]

This podcast came at the perfect time🙏🏼

[@loisbudden6635]

James, we all have mental problems. It's OK. It is our journey this time around. You are lucky you are blessed with a talent and are well enough to express it.

[@natalieadams9367]

James you are so freaking beautiful. Such a pure heart, and that is exactly where you sing from which is why you are so moving to listen to. Loved your honesty..& I can relate to those voices.. so thankyou for speaking to those patterns that live within many of us (perfectionists 😅).. your voice & your music is such a gift..thankyouuuuu 🙏❤️

[@thomasdawe1270]

Looking forward to this one! Thanks again Steven and the team

[@kristynachocholacova625]

What a vastly intelligent, humble, sensitive, well-rounded and deep thinker kinda person this man is.....I mean wow, big respect to him.

[@kaitlinboyle573]

I have to say this episode was incredible in everyway... honestly. I was a fan of James years ago and his music helped me get through a really really rough period in my life. I have NEVER seen an interview of him and I am blown away by his vulnerability, his willingness to be honest about every aspect in his life, he is willing to challenge his thoughts and self reflect. I have never witnessed a man with such vulnerability and emotional intelligence. I have fallen in love with him and I am so excited for his new album! I deal with intrusive and unwanted thoughts as well, not exactly imposter syndrome but I can sort of relate. I honestly appreciated everything he said. thank you for this video

[@LubianaKepaou]

thank you for such an inspiring conversation, so humble, so honest, both of you. THANK YOU

[@rebeccabarrass92]

What an incredible conversation!

[@FatimaZahra-oe6br]

Cheers from Morocco 💐❤🎉

[@Nunu2410]

Absolutely wonderful… another fascinating listen! Keep them coming Steven!

[@bhiveliveglobal]

Very honest and open chat. I hope many follow in your foot steps James. TY

[@bobbyjolewis1638]

Having been a James bay fan from day one this interview definitely allowed me and many other fans to see who and what he really is about. Adding a whole new depth , love and appreciation to having him making such beautiful music that can move us in ways I haven't experienced before. Iv found every album has been sort of a sound track to stages of my life and leap definitely is such a creation of love and happiness that I certainly needed. I wish he could see himself through a fans eyes just to see how truly talented and imperative he his to people to rid him of the voices he's tormented by. I cannot wait to see him live in November and pray more people in the world are reached by not just his music but his words too that have been displayed in this interview as so inspiring and empowering. Absolutely mind blown by this. The podcast in general is awesome but this one holds a place in my heart forever ♥️

[@dswain1981]

Such an important conversation. Sure this has left many people feeling hopeful for the future knowing the thoughts they are having are normal wherever you are on the ladder. Another great podcast Steven. Thanks to James for speaking so honestly.

[@Njoumanoura]

Ich liebe ihn und wie vulnerable er erklärt. Was ein Vorbild. Hammer

[@Ducky_logan]

Such a good well articulated convo

[@heyitsjamieson]

Amazing interview - thanks so much for asking so many of our burning questions.

[@lozb1631]

Love it when you interview entertainers

[@rosspaton5948]

Love the diversity of guests 👍🏻

[@Ngala254]

Fantastic episode!! Imposter syndrome, a symptom I've been all too familiar with at some point in my life. I thank God that right now I understand that it's okay for success and good things to happen for me and not feel I'm not worthy of them.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks Emmanuel!

[@jammerman860]

This was an excellent episode. Again much love to Steven and he's crew... Thank you for another awesome podcast 💐

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you! ❤

[@Salah_Hadji.]

Genuinely, i love this podcast 😁

[@bakeraus]

Same! Really great questions and the guests seem comfortable.

[@jcdesigns1109]

James is a great communicator

[@PrincessDisney86]

Great guest. 👍 thank you for this.

[@richardchesters6736]

A great interview like many that you do with a great perspective and questioning. Would love you a mentor ❤️❤️ Keep up the great work 👏🏻👏🏻

[@klaudiazmigrodzka9939]

Wow! What a great character! What a great soul!

[@dianaceballos3866]

Amazing interview... you did an outstanding job with your line of questioning. Leap and the net will appear...Amen to that!

[@Luke12_11]

Unproductive creativity, love this. Really goes to show the importance of you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s head

[@GrowthMindsetChannel]

“Never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate goal is to be happy.” ~ Steven Bartlett 💪🏻🚀

[@jackball1968]

Thanks for the live lessons James, hope you do the 3rd album live lessons👊, stand up live lesson was my favourite, class mate.

[@AmethystCobain]

I am grateful for this interview, as a creative person so much of what James is saying ressonates so much. What a wonderful interview to get so much insight from such an interesting person. Great job!

[@TheDuchessRN]

Why would I agree to not share. Hearing truth and dialogue is so rare. This is a documentation for truth and shyness and honesty, mentioning half generations. I'm going to connect and send to my son ( who leaned heavilly away emotionally) who is a creative and a musician and a truth talker.

[@relocatetoItaly]

Lovely person and a fascinating journey. His music is so real love it.

[@edwardohughes3426]

Great interview, really interesting thought evoking questions. If we don't leap, we risk being nothing day to day? What a rabbit hole that one is!!

[@fawn_music9221]

So beautifully honest 💜

[@robinwallace1399]

Great conversation to listen to

[@Emma-sw3zt]

Someone I’ve wanted to see on a podcast for a long time 🫶🏼

[@danielroyal3628]

What a nice guy. Another great episode 🙌

[@camara1194]

I love James Bay. He’s great!! I’ve always been a huge huge fan. I love hearing his insight

[@janekocorek3313]

Love it! He is absolutely right, "working".

[@MariaRodrigues-sf9pv]

I absolutely loved it! Lots of love from Portugal:)

[@jennebeattie3168]

HUUUUUUUUGE James Bay fan ❤️. This is the first lengthy interview I have ever seen him in. Thank you for having him on your channel 👌🏻

[@walkingwhiletalking]

James bay was such a pleasure to listen to. Both him and example mentioned reasearch and analysis as a pressure point. I wonder what the influence of R&A is on creativity or or how does an artist engage with the data in a “customer service” kind of way.

[@JusJrdn]

As an artist, growing my own reach, this was so powerful to listen to.

[@nathaniniom]

I had 2 years idle time, and learnt and grew so much socially

[@ronanfarrelly2270]

What a gent, great podcast

[@nourinayssam]

The podcast is brilliant! I just discovered it through the Simon Sinek episode and I think I know what I’ll watch for the next 3 days! Does anyone know what is the reference of the table mount he uses for his microphones?

[@SamHortonMusic]

Great conversation!