The 23-year-old 'Love Me Again' hitmaker, who lost two of his close friends in a car crash and had a brain tumour removed in 2012, says his life experiences have led him to write gritty songs, reported Contactmusic.
"I struggle to write happy songs. Everyone always says, 'It makes me feel happy,' but then I always think, 'Oh, what's he even talking about'?"
Most of the songs on Newman's debut album 'Tribute' were inspired by his ex-girlfriend and their break-up but she's now used to hearing his tracks about her on the radio.