Nate Ruess: 'I learned how to shut down - I had just given up'

Singer Nate Ruess has opened up about his forthcoming debut solo album, 'Grand Romantic', and admitted that after a period of depression he is finally in a 'great head space' that allowed him to access this new creativity.

During a new interview with Billboard, the star was asked if his debut solo offering was inspired by love and he explained that he feels very influenced by his current relationship with designer Charlotte Ronson:

"I caught myself in a great head space. My current relationship feels like it's not letting up; it clicks, and I'm learning so much. But to me, love means all the people around you. It wasn't necessarily about one relationship. I'm very thankful for the people I have in my life, and I think that was a big catalyst. The whole 'Grand Romantic' theme is a return to being that kid who could cry, because I hadn't been that person in a long time."

Referring to his low mood, Ruess added: "Life is tough. I think life is tough for everybody. My life is still as tough as it ever was. I want to acknowledge all the highs and lows when they happen [...] After being in a few tough relationships, I learned how to shut down. I think I had just given up."

Watch a new interview with Ruess here: