Liam St. John on Hitting ‘Rock Bottom,’ Self-Medicating and Processing His Pain on His Debut Album (Exclusive)

Liam St. John Shares His Journey of Self-Discovery Through Debut Album

Liam St. John, a rising star in the music industry, has recently opened up about the personal journey he embarked on while creating his debut album, “Man of the North.” In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, St. John revealed that the process of writing and recording the album served as a form of therapy for him, allowing him to confront and process his deepest emotions and experiences.

The 34-year-old singer explained that the album, which consists of 16 tracks, tells the story of his life in chronological order, starting with the poignant track “If I Were My Father,” where he reflects on the absence of a father figure in his life and the emotional impact it had on him. As the album progresses, St. John delves into the challenges he faced, including battles with depression and self-medication.

St. John, who previously appeared on season 19 of The Voice, candidly shared that he reached a low point in 2020 following a significant breakup, which prompted him to reevaluate his self-worth and treatment of himself. This moment of introspection led to a transformative shift in his mindset, as he began affirming himself and practising self-love.

One of the standout tracks on the album, “Dipped in Bleach,” showcases St. John’s willingness to confront his emotions and vulnerabilities openly. He admitted that writing the song “Devil in Disguise” was particularly challenging, as it forced him to question his choices and behaviour. However, through the process of creating music, St. John found healing and growth, allowing him to move away from self-destructive patterns.

Now, with “Man of the North” released to the world, St. John is embarking on a tour to share his music and connect with his fans. In his downtime, he enjoys exploring new cities, indulging in meditation, and seeking solace in his creative pursuits. Despite his academic and athletic achievements, St. John expressed that nothing compares to the joy and fulfilment he finds in performing his music live.

Reflecting on his journey from performing in empty dive bars to releasing his debut album with a major label, St. John acknowledged the surreal nature of his success. He credits his resilience and unwavering passion for music for bringing him to this point in his career, emphasising the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

As St. John continues to share his story through his music, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their vulnerabilities and find strength in their struggles. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the healing power of self-expression and the transformative impact of self-acceptance.

In a music industry saturated with manufactured personas, Liam St. John stands out as an authentic and introspective artist, unafraid to delve into the depths of his soul to create music that resonates with listeners on a profound level. As he continues to pave his path in the music world, St. John’s honesty and vulnerability are sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the industry.