La Roux's Elly Jackson "wanted to run away" following her 2009 tour.
The 'In For The Kill' hitmaker admits she struggled to deal with her overnight fame four years ago and needed to take herself on a long vacation once the tour of North America had wrapped up.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, she explained: "I wanted to run away. I didn't want it to start again and I did run away for a bit -- I went on holiday. A very long holiday. The pressure was too much. I'm not very good at being this shiny, showy person. I see music and performing as an art form but only when I want it to be an art form. The rest of the time I want to be left alone."
The 26-year-old star also began to suffer from panic attacks at the height of her success, which often affected her vocals when she was on stage.
She said: "It was a problem for about three years, it stopped me doing things in 2011. But after that I tried to work through it. I'd breathe and meditate and sometimes I'd take medication. I'd have therapy too."
La Roux - which initially included producer Ben Langmaid until recently - is preparing to release her new album 'Trouble in Paradise' later this month and she insists she's come a long way in the last five years.
She explained: "I've really grown up and learned about myself. I know when to say no and when I need a break.
"And getting to that point has helped shape this album."
'Trouble in Paradise' is set for release on July 21.
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