Crooners have the ability to not only make you weak in the knees with a serenade, but also move you with their voice. And John Newman is one of those artists. Breaking into the spotlight with his collaboration with Rudimental, "Feel the Love," he really made a name for himself with his debut single, "Love Me Again," off his debut record, Tribute. He went on to tour the world, top charts and also release his sophomore LP, Revolve. 

We sat down with John over the summer (before his brain tumor diagnosis) to talk about his current single, "Ole," making good pop songs and how he sees the future of his music. 

Let’s start with your current single, ”Ole.” It’s not the kind of song I’d expect from you. Can you talk a bit about it?

I wanted to do something different to catch people’s attention and catch them off-guard. I honestly think that if I keep putting out the same thing and stay with the same sound, then there’s no point. So if I did another album of the same thing, I’d stop making music for the people and that’d be it.

Is this the precursor to what we’ll be seeing on the new album? Or a taste of what it will be?

It’s a taste in the way that I want to make great songs — just catchy, great songs that have meaning to them. I want to make some great pop tunes. I have loads of stuff coming out at the moment. There’ll likely be five singles coming out this year. I just want to do singles for a bit. I’m really enjoying it. I haven’t gotten a vision for a record yet. I don’t think you should do something when you don’t have a vision for it. I’m sure it’ll come very soon then I’ll be making a record. So we’ll see.

So what’s the draw to making singles?

Because I’m not at the level of Drake or Beyonce, who can just drop records and they’ll be hits. If I drop a record [now], it’ll flop, honestly. I’m only being real. But if I go one by one, it’ll give me the chance to promote records and put attention on them and show people new sounds and new records. I’m not at that level where I can drop two albums then expect them to do well. I want to promote every single and make everyone listen to each one.

So what is your definition of success then?

The definition of success is to do more. I want to sell out Wembley and Madison Square Garden. I want to tour America through stadiums. I want to release music that goes to the Top 10 straight away because I’m known for it. And the opportunity is there. I just need to find it, and why wouldn’t I try?

Quickly going back to “Ole,” you worked with Calvin Harris on this one. You’ve worked together before so what is it about collaborating with him?

It’s like a humid day when you’re walking down the seafront. Someone offers you a free ice cream, and it’s the best one you’ve ever had. [laughs] It’s sweet and salty. He’s very sweet and very salty. He’ll leave a taste in your mouth but is also very refreshing at the point. [laughs] No, he’s a genius, and he’s great to work with as well. He’s one of my best mates that inspires me daily by what he does. What he’s done in the past and what’s done now — he’s an absolute dream to work with.

You’re no stranger to collaborations in general. Do you have a running shortlist of people you want to collaborate with?

My hit list. There’s a couple of people I’d love to work with. But I only do it for musical reasons, not for any other reasons. I know this sounds mental, but I’d love to do something with Rihanna. I’d love to. I think her voice is very diverse. And it’s not because she’s released 20 singles this year or whatever it is. It’s like I’ve been such a huge fan. So I want to get into the studio and hear her rawest voice that I can and say some shit she really means.

And then I really like Ariana Grande. I think she’s amazing and really talented. I love to watch her creativity blossom as she matures. It’s an amazing thing to watch, and I’d love to be a part of that. I think I’m looking for a duet ballad. I think that’s what I’m basically trying to say. Then, I’m just discovering people and see who I like. Everyone’s changing all the time.

You’ve got a lot of festivals lined up for you this year. So what draws you to them, especially considering you’re a solo artist?

I see it as a challenge, an amazing challenge. I want people dancing. I want to take them all, put them in my pocket and leave. So that the next person who goes on struggles because there’s no one there. I want people’s attentions. I love doing live, and the bigger the festival the better. But it’s getting pretty intense at the moment. We’ve done nine flights in three days, the other day. Getting two hours sleep each night, and doing two countries in one day and stuff like that. It’s getting ridiculous, but I love it.

The other day, it was so hot at the festival, and everyone was struggling to play. And I was literally giving 110 percent,and soon as I walked offstage, I fainted. It’s because I was overheated, but my body wouldn’t stop because I had something driving me so much.

Your voice is such a powerful instrument. But with your crazy schedule and lifestyle right now, it can be hard to keep it strong. How do you keep that in check?

My lifestyle?

No, your voice.

Well, my lifestyle’s fucked. I can’t keep that in check. [laughs] But you’ve got to be careful. Drinking. I’ve stopped drinking quite a lot. I had a drink last night. But I’ve stopped drinking loads. You just have to keep on [being disciplined]. It’s your job. It’s not that difficult. But people keep forgetting that and start ruining their voices. They walk around festivals and talk to people with [whispers]. And I’m like, “I’m like what are you doing? What have you done that for?” It’s easy though. Just shut up. Put the pint down and shut up.

I just don’t understand when people don’t keep train voices properly. I mean, I smoke too much. That’s the next thing I need to get rid of because that’s bad for me as well.

Looking back on when you started and where you are now. How does it feel to be at this point in your career?

It’s just the same. It is. As long as you maintain yourself, so everything is a gimmick. So if you’re sitting in a private jet, you’ve got to laugh at it not sit there and go, “Yeah, I’m the boss.” You’ve got to enjoy it. And make sure your friends are still there. You’ve got to keep them around, and go see your mum every Sunday. I think that’s really important. And don’t take yourself too seriously. If you want to go for a drink, go to a pub and have a drink. It doesn’t have to be a posh place where you’re going to be a posh place where you’re going to be noticed.

The interview with John Newman took place less than a month before he confirmed his brain tumor diagnosis. We reached out to his camp but were unable to talk to him more about it. He did release a statement regarding his health, which you can read below.

“This was going to come out at some point and it's probably best it's out in the open now. I have been monitored constantly since the first time I had the tumour removed. There was always a chance that it could return and it is unfortunate but it is something I am prepared to get through when the time is right, some point next year. The medical staff have been absolutely amazing and I know I am in the best of hands. Nothing will ever stop me from doing the job I love so much, nothing will ever stop me from making music. People shouldn't worry about me, the prognosis is good and there are so many people in far more serious situations. I just hope this in some way helps raise awareness for those people and encourages people to be tested and treated as early as possible. I am one of the lucky ones!"