Zayn Malik Speaks, Already Working on Solo Material After Leaving One Direction
He officially announced he was leaving One Direction a mere two days ago, but Zayn Malik has no plans to give up music entirely. On Thursday, the 20-year-old singer was spotted at a West London recording studio.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Malik revealed he's already at work on new material with Naughty Boy, the producer whose credits include Sam Smith's Grammy-winning debut album, In the Lonely Hour
In a sense, the situation is reminiscent of a much earlier chapter in pop music history. One Direction fans should ask their parents or grandparents about the time in 1965 when Brian Wilson, at the height of the Beach Boys's popularity, decided to stop touring with the band and stay home to create music in the studio... only Wilson didn't officially split from the Beach Boys until years later. Wilson went on to craft the Beach Boys's masterpiece Pet Sounds. Whether Malik has an ounce of the talent of the Beach Boys mastermind is up for serious debate.
Whatever the case, Malik seems to be riding high, at least for the moment. "It is crazy and wild and a bit mad," he told The Sun, a mere hours after the news of his departure from One Direction was made public. "But at the same time I've never felt more in control in my life. And I feel like I'm doing what's right — right by myself and right by the boys, so I feel good."
Malik also confessed that his departure was a long time coming. "You know, I did try to do something that I wasn't happy doing for a while, for the sake of maybe other people," he explained. "Basically, I'm only upset (because) I feel like I may have let them down."
But, he insists, he hasn't let his 1D mates down. In fact, he credits them with unwavering support. "They've been cool about it," he said. "And they understand that, you know, it's not real to me anymore."
Malik's official statement about leaving the band, released Wednesday, said, "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."
