This content is copyright of CelebMix.com. In the mid to late '90s, very few British solo recording artists experienced the bright lights and dizzying highs of planet pop quite like Anthony Kavanagh - better known simply as Kavana. With a string of chart hits, tours alongside global icons, and a loyal fanbase, the Manchester native seemed to have it all. But behind the polished image was a far more complex story - one of personal struggles, resilience, and reinvention. Now, in his candid new memoir Pop Scars, Kavana lifts the veil on both the music industry and his private life, sharing the hardships that shaped him as profoundly as the triumphs. Honest, raw, and often surprising, the book lays bare both the glitter and the grit of life in the spotlight. "I really want to make it clear to people that this book isn't a pity party, or a woe is me tale of how hard my life was when I was a popstar," a cheery yet candid Kavana tells me just moments after wrapping up an appearance on Irish television. "I personally think the more interesting chapters are the ones that delve into realities of dealing with things like addiction, grief and loss. For me, those seasons of my life tell a far more important story than the anecdotes of me acting out at the BRITs or having some random encounter with a movie star at a showbiz party." "But I guess that fascination we all have with fame and celebrity is what garners the most attention right? And I get that, because whenever I'm reading a biography or autobiography, I want to know all of the scandal and gossip too (laughs)." I'VE GOT SOMETHING TO GIVE... "I first thought about writing a book years ago, but because of who I was, and how I was functioning at that time, it was never going to happen." Alluding to his well documented issues with alcohol and addiction, the 'Funky Love' singer continues: "Everybody's relationship with mixing alcohol and creativity is different, but for me, writing and addiction don't go together! I can promise you, I am in no way some sort of modern day Ernest Hemingway, who can extensively drink a few bottles of wine a night, and then turn out their best work... my initial efforts were a disaster!" After embracing sobriety in 2022, Kav says that whilst years of songwriting had taught him how to capture emotion in short bursts, crafting a full memoir required more discipline, more structure, and a different kind of creative stamina. To help channel his ideas and stay on track, he enrolled on a writing course, giving himself both the guidance and accountability he needed. The experience not only sharpened his skills, but also gave him the confidence to tackle his story with clarity and purpose, turning scattered memories into a cohesive and compelling narrative. "Pouring alcohol into my system for all of those years zapped me all of my creativity," Kavana admits candidly. "And when I felt like I wasn't able to be creative anymore, the next two things to disappear from my life were my confidence and self-esteem - and trust me, you need those characteristics and personality traits if you want to put yourself out there and do something in the public eye. So enrolling on the writing course felt like the right thing to do because one, it would help me to rebuild my confidence, and two because it meant I was going to be around other writers and creatives." "And it was fun, we had a real laugh. There were 12 other women on the course, and me - that whole scenario could have become a book in itself, trust me (laughs). But in all seriousness, it was great. My tutor was amazing, she really helped me to find my voice, and develop my writing style. Before I met her, all I really had were these muddled memories written up into little scenes. Under her guidance I was able to piece everything together, and create more of a vision for how I wanted the book to be." "I remember saying to her one day: 'I'm not famous enough to write a book, nobody will buy it.' And that's when she told me that if I wanted this project to be more than just another salacious celebrity memoir, then I had to lean into the kitchen-sink stuff, meaning I should share more of the stories and issues that everyone can relate to. Whether that be talking about the relationship between me and my Mum, me exploring my sexuality, or those real, dark moments of being caught in addiction." "That simple piece of advice helped me to see, and believe, that I had a worthwhile story to tell." With a wealth of songwriting experience under his belt, Kavana was no stranger to shaping words into more powerful and emotionally resonant prose. But stepping into the world of book writing was a completely different art - one that demanded patience, organisation, and a far deeper level of storytelling than a three-minute pop song could ever allow. Instead of chasing hooks and melodies, he found himself piecing together long-form narratives, revisiting memories, and sitting with emotions in a way that was both challenging