ZAYN MALIK INTERVIEW DURING PARIS FASHION WEEK (in case some of you want the full interview)
I’m good, thank you. I took some days off and it was really needed. These past five years, I didn’t really have much time for myself and I started going a bit crazy. I really needed to take a step back.
Your decision to quit One Direction in the middle of a tour hugely disappointed your fans, how did you live through that period?
I thought really hard before taking that decision. Quitting 1D was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. In five years, I grew an incredible friendship with the members of the band who are like brothers to me. I extremely apologize to the fans, but I have to listen to my heart. I want to be a normal 22 years old boy with a private life.
Did the other members feel like you betrayed them?
They understood that I needed a really long break, and because I didn’t know how long that break was going to be, I decided to just quit the band.
How did they react about that bad new?
They were all very affected, which made it even harder for me. We spent hours discussing. It was a really intense conversation, we all had lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes…
Are you guys still on good terms?
Yes! The members will always be brothers to me! Our friendship is really strong and it’s not going to break soon. I know that Louis, Liam, Niall and Harry will be my friends for life and I know they will always be the best band in the world.
Did the guys try to prevent you from leaving?
Of course, they did. They wanted to me stay with them. One Direction is our band and I’m an essential member like Harry, Louis, Liam and Niall. But after I explained for a long time why I took this decision, they understood me and they supported me.
What’s weird is, you wanted to be more private yet a few weeks after, you were already in the studio to record your solo album…
The problem is not about making music. It’s my passion. I don’t see myself doing anything else…I just wanted to stop running left and right and going on tours without real day offs.
Did the distance between you and your family and fiancee influence your decision?
Yes, totally. It was one of the main reasons why I left. I think not many people realize how much energy we spent and how hard we worked in the past five years. We didn’t really have time to be with our close family and friends. I’m only 22 and I think I still need to grow up with my family.
Did you ask for advice to your fiancee, Perrie Edwards?
I don’t hide anything from her. I discussed with her avout my choice. I trust her. Perrie really listened to me and she understood that I just couldn’t continue mentally and physically.
How did you feel a few weeks before you left?
I felt like a prisoner and it started being too much. It’s a bit complicated to explain…I didn’t feel like myself anymore and I felt like I was on a bad path, that I was going crazy…
Much better! I’m feeling good and I don’t regret my decision. I’m doing pretty well right now and I have a lot of projects.
I’m spending a lot of time in the studio right now. I’m taking a lot of time to write my first solo tracks…It feels good to focus on my own music.
Isn’t it a bit too early to start working now?
I don’t think so! It’s the opposite, it makes me say all I have in my heart and transform it into something productive. Even if I spend most of my days in the studio, I still go home at night to stay with my people. I can do my thing at my own rythm.
Are you excited to go on stage again?
I’m in transition right now so I don’t really think about that yet. Of course, it’s always fun to go on stage and I enjoy it, but for now, I’m not there yet. Like, I’m not going to announce tour dates or anything.
How do you feel about knowing that from now on, you’re going to see your own name?
It’s pretty exciting and terrifying at the same time. I think having a solo carrer is hard. It’s definitely harder than being in a boy band. The group helps a lot to the make everything easier.
After those weeks of break, what are you going to miss the most?
Having fun with the guys! We spent a lot of time together. We always had something to talk about. That complicity already misses me….
If you had to choose a memory from each one of the guys, what would it be?
Niall’s appetite, he’s always eating something! Louis’ smile when he plays de diva. Harry’s sense of humour, and for Liam, he is very calm and serene. It’s nice.
And for you, how do you want hem to remember you?
My amazing imitation of girls! I didn’t play Veronica on Best Song Ever for nothing!
areudirty
gummygunk
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
pixelskylines
stormborns
vaporwave
turnnoffyourmind
germansingergirl
