LOCKDOWN has been a time for many people to reflect and appreciate the small things in life, and none more so than Winsford musician Cxl Mxck.

The 21-year-old, whose real name is Callum McCormack, has used the time to put together his first EP - Me, Myself or Die - which is due for release on Friday.

“Towards the end of last year I got a concept for the EP about my mental journey in the last 18 months and that’s how the idea started,” he explained.

“Obviously the whole Covid issue has been horrible, but for me, it’s also been really beneficial.

“I have struggled with self image, but throughout lockdown I’ve really been able to do so much with my music.

“That’s what the EP is about - getting rid of your demons.”

But music has always been an escape for Callum, not just throughout the pandemic.

Me, Myself or Die comes after the successful release of three previous singles, which had a positive reaction from audiences - something Callum is incredibly grateful for.

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He said: “Music was always a coping mechanism for me and now people have been saying that it’s become a coping mechanism for them too, and that’s the biggest reason for me to carry on with what I’m doing.

“It’s great knowing that people are interpreting my music in their own way and benefiting from it - it’s so rewarding.”

Speaking about his ‘sound’, he added: “My music is all over the place in tone and genre but I’m happy with that.

“There’s so many different things going on and I don’t want to be in a particular genre and limit myself.

“If I did had to put my music under one genre, I think alternative is a nice umbrella.”

The young singer-songwriter understands his debut EP can be quite ‘morbid’ and tackles some challenging themes surrounding mental health.

But, he is keen to stress that his music is about overcoming problems and learning ways to deal with them.

“My advice to people suffering from mental health problems is learn how to help yourself - that’s been the biggest drive,” Callum added.

“Just be selfish - understand what makes you unhappy and have the confidence to say you don’t need that in your life, and what you do need.

“I just want to drive home to anyone suffering that you can get through it.”

The EP, Me, Myself or Die by Cxl Mxck, will be released on Friday, April 23.