John Newman announces career pause amid mental health struggles

John Newman has announced a career break in order to focus on his mental health, walking away "on good terms" from his record label Island Records/Universal.

The 29-year-old singer shared a lengthy Instagram post about his decision, saying that he hopes to "discover the better side of me that is still there, despite feeling depression due to my work."

The 'Love Me Again' and 'Blame It On Me' singer wrote:

"To my loyal friends, family and fans. I felt I needed to make everyone aware of my future and of my present. I have found it very difficult to announce this to my closet and the people around me as I feel the world is so quick to look at the negative and that is the opposite to what i aim to look for in me as a person.

"Today is marking the end of an incredible and amazing era in my life but change is a positive and uplifting thing," Newman added.

"I have decided to pause my career to be able to discover the better side of me...My drive will always exist, my persistence and perseverance to achieve and succeed and to re build.

"With this in mind I have decided to walk away on good terms from both my long time label Island Records/ Universal and also my long term management Closer Artists."

Newman underwent brain surgery for a tumour in 2016, four years after his first operation.

Asking his fans for positivity, he reflected on the current situation with gratitude.

"As said this is the end of an era and the start of a new me, to regain my drive and my thirst to continue, to make the greatest music I have ever made and to be happy within myself in every way."

"I want to thank everyone that has been apart of this journey in every step. I need my fans now to support me more than ever, to understand I am strong and most of all I will continue to accomplish my dreams in every way possible," he continued.

"It pulls a tear to say goodbye to this era and the music and memories, but the future is key and I believe I can always deliver better."

"Throughout the year I will deliver some of the most incredible collaborations I have produced. However for now, I am to reconsider what my solo music career is and will be."

"Big love everyone, I got this."

Read Newman's post in full below: