On March 25, 2015, news broke of Zayn Malik’s departure from One Direction. Nearly a year later, his debut solo album, Mind of Mine is set to be released on the anniversary of his exit from the band. In anticipation for his album, Zayn sat with down for an interview with Complex Magazine to talk about the album, authenticity, and leaving the band.
Zayn’s first single Pillowtalk was massively successful, debuting at Number one on the Billboard Hot 100. When asked about it, he opens up about the process of making the album, mentioning having to remind himself that others would be listening as well, and trying to maintain that perspective whilst making the album. He touches on the uncertainty he felt prior to Pillowtalk‘s release.
“There was a lot of built-up anxiety to create this thing. You don’t really know what’s going to happen. So when that song went out, and I saw the reaction from the fans, that took a little weight off me for a bit.”
With the struggle to be authentic raging within him, Zayn opens up about the internal battle he had whilst in the band. He credits the denial of his authenticity the main reason for having left. Saying that the problem was always there, he admits that it was clear the issue wasn’t going to be resolved and took matters into his own hands.
“It was about denying the authenticity of who I was, and what I enjoyed about music, and why I got into it. That was always there. It was one of the things that wasn’t going to go away, so I had to go away.”
Though many have–and continue to call him ungrateful, he explains that is simply not the case. The situation was just something that needed to be dealt with. The interviewer uses this moment to bring up the One Direction music video, You and I and how it was a prime example of the lack of individuality within the band. Zayn is quick on the defense, stating that there was a message behind the video, one that he clearly understood, though many could not, or simply would not.
On the subject of the band, the conversation moves to the restrictions that were in place concerning his appearance. There was a certain look that they were supposed to go for, and Zayn tells that his beard didn’t fit the mold of the “young teen boy look” they were striving for.
“I wasn’t allowed to keep [my beard]. Eventually, when I got older, I rebelled against it, and decided to keep it anyway.”
When the question of whether being real or successful is more important, Zayn obviously chooses the former and delivers perhaps the most striking line of the interview.
“I believe that success follows authenticity. People see through fake sh*t. They don’t want to see that; they want a real person.”
Zayn’s assigned persona in One Direction was “the mysterious one.” This didn’t allow him to speak as often as others. With his personality being more on the reserved side, he mentions that the fact he couldn’t speak as often wasn’t one that he really fought against.
“They would answer the questions. I would let that happen because, like I said, I didn’t have any creative input there. I didn’t feel like I was going to say anything about it anyway.”
Things are much different this time around, and rightly so. Now given a chance to create what he’s passionate about, Zayn confesses that “it’s nice to have the chance to speak.”
After admitting that, even as a child, he never fit in, he goes on to call himself a floater. Though he thought it odd as a child and was hurt by being unable to fit in, he fully embraces who he is now.
“But later on, you learn that you don’t always need to fit in. You can just be yourself.”
The topic moves to the influence behind his music. From what’s been heard so far, it’s obvious that women have had a major influence on the singer. With a laugh, Zayn admits that women have played a huge role not only in his music but in life in general.
When it comes to creating under the influence of love and heartbreak, he tells that quality art can stem from both.
“If you’re in a really good place, you can write a really good, upbeat song. When you’re in a sh*t place you can write a downbeaet f*cking ballad!”
Having kept his relationship with Gigi Hadid private, he explains that being in the spotlight isn’t something he’s gotten used to yet. Admitting that there’s not much he can do about it, he goes on to say that he’s “learning to deal with it.” You can see the pair in the Pillowtalk music video. Zayn reveals that the moment in the music video where they smile at each other was a candid one.
It’s been made clear by Zayn that he doesn’t necessarily wish to be influential in the political sense–at least for now. If he does feel compelled to make a statement, he wants to be sure he has the proper information and is properly prepared so as not to offend anyone. Though he remains quiet on the political issues, he is aware of the happenings in politics.
“I see what’s gonig on, but I’ll never be the person that will make some sort of statement. I never want to make anybody biased toward anything. I could have an opinion, but that’s my opinion.”
He later goes on to call himself a “sh*t celebrity.” He confesses that he hates television interviews, and prefers the one-on-one interviews like the one he’s doing. When it comes to day to day life, Zayn says that he’s not an extrovert. When it comes to performing, though, it’s a quite different story.
“I’m a performer. When it comes to stage I can sing and do that, but when I’m in normal-day life I’m very reserved. I guess that’s my downfall.”
The difference between this album release and those he’s previously experienced is already immensely different. The fact that his album is full of deeply personal material only furthers his excitement for its release.
“I’m going to be crazy ecstatic when [‘Mind of Mine’] drops. I’m going to be buzzing and I’m going to go out. I’ll probably party with my friends and enjoy it.”
Once the album drops, Zayn chats about the possibility of going back to school. Having always wanted to get a degree, he says that he’ll probably do home study, and record his second album at the same time.
With the massive success he’s received thus far, it’s only natural to contemplate the possibility of failure. He admits that the outcome of failure does worry him at times, but does what he can and hopes for the best.
After discussing the possibility of living a simple life if this doesn’t work out, he’s asked if he’d be happy with that. The ever humble Zayn responds simply.
“I’ve done a lot for a 23-year-old. I’d be stupid to complain.
Along with a photo shoot, Zayn also gave a behind the scenes interview with Complex.
Mind of Mine is to be released on March 25, 2016.
You can read the entire Complex Interview here.
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