It's a cliché to say it, but I think that the records that I made before, all the decisions that I've made before, everything and every kind of frustration it's all kind of led me up to this moment where I finally feel really, really comfortable and I have the luxury — and I did on this record — of time to be able to make mistakes and with that experiment. It's also, it's one thing to go into a record with the hope of experimenting, it's another thing it working. That definitely, as you go through the process of the record, that helps with momentum and confidence. You dare to dream one day then all of a sudden the record starts to be in this slightly more experimental place and it's way back to pop. I think I'm definitely been getting a lot of confidence with this record because there's quite a few songs, and 'Lemonade' being one of them really, that I when I set out to make the record I wouldn't have anticipated necessarily to have it sounding like that and I think that's always a positive thing as an artist, trying to push yourself.
Louis talking the making of How Did I Get Here? to infobae
Tras el lanzamiento de su sencillo “Lemonade”, el cantante británico adelantó en una charla con Teleshow cómo será su próximo disco, How Did
Between confessions and creativity, Louis Tomlinson opened the doors of his new album: "Trying to improve yourself is a positive thing"
After the release of his single "Lemonade", the British singer advanced in a chat with Teleshow what his next album, How Did I Get Here?, will be like. In addition, he reflected on his artistic growth and his personal evolution
On the bright Argentine afternoon of this spring Wednesday, Louis Tomlinson once again occupied the center of attention of the pop universe just hours after releasing "Lemonade", the advance of his new album. The artist, who has toured the world with his music and imprint since those days of furor with One Direction, spoke with an open heart in a virtual press conference. There, he gave details about the release of his next album, How Did I Get Here? and the reasons that led him to the beginning of a new musical chapter.
The announcement, which brought airs of freshness both in sound and in story, was experienced as a real event. The recent single shows that authentic emotions, bonds with his fans and the search for creative freedom are still at the center of everything for the Briton. "It's the album that I always deserved to make," Louis began by telling Teleshow, and then continued: "It's a cliché to say it, but I think that the albums I made before, all the decisions I made before, everything and every type of frustration, all that led me to this moment where I finally feel comfortable and I have the luxury of having the time to be able to make mistakes and experiment."
The musician delved even deeper into what it means to go through the current stage. "It's one thing to go into an album hoping to experiment and it's another totally different thing to make it work. And that definitely, as you go through the process, helps with momentum and confidence. You dare to dream one day and suddenly the album starts to be in a slightly more experimental place and finds its way back to pop," he explained. Asked about the first advance of this album, Tomlinson was clear: "I think that definitely gave me a lot of confidence in this project because there are quite a few songs. And 'Lemonade' is one of them really, that when I started making the album, I wouldn't have necessarily anticipated it sounding like that and I think that's always a positive thing as an artist, trying to outdo yourself."
Louis, at his most introspective, shared details about the inner work done between albums, and how his solo journey gave him the possibility to experiment with other methods of composition and production. "There is a conversational type of lyrics that in this album is lived a little more in metaphor. It's not as direct as the previous albums, lyrically, but there are still songs that are quite direct and honest. So I think that's the glue that binds them together. But on those two previous albums, particularly on Walls, I learned a lot in the process and I'm very proud of each song," he said, showing that evolution is his flag.
The choice of this date did not go unnoticed: the meeting took place just a few days before the first anniversary of the death of Liam Payne, a close friend of Louis and former teammate in One Direction, who died in Argentina. Although the focus was on the excitement of the release of their next album that will be released on January 23, 2026, the proximity of the harsh memory added a special nuance to the announcement and an inevitable sigh of nostalgia for their fandom. And, although there was no mention of it between coffees and shared details, his words on his death continue to resonate. "I feel more than lucky to have had you in my life, but I'm really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I'm so grateful that we've grown even closer since we formed the band, talking on the phone for hours and reminiscing about the thousands of incredible memories we had together," the artist said in October of last year on his networks.
Looking back on his early steps as a vocalist and outside of One Direction, Louis explained honestly, "When I listen to that record now, I can feel that time and there's a little bit of frustration in terms of the sound and what I really wanted for my first album. Although when I look back, I feel really proud. So that must say something about quality because I'm quite demanding of myself." For Tomlinson, looking back is not looking with regret: it is recognizing the maturity that came with the years and the searches, the freedom and the energy of a voice that does not fade when the massive phenomenon lowers the foam.
On his personal and professional growth from the work on this latest album, and regarding the unknown of whether fans will be able to perceive this evolution and change of direction when listening to it, the artist deepened: "With every song we write, all of us are trying to look for something more ambitious and different. I guess what I learned about myself is that I still want to test myself. It's easy to get comfortable, with everything, with the music video, with the way the tour will look, and even with the promotion I'm doing. Now, I just joined TikTok, I'm trying to do different things this time. I'm really trying to go all out in every aspect. I'm really trying to push myself. So I hope the fans feel good about the confidence they've inspired."
A separate chapter within this process is occupied by the recording mode and the locations that Louis and his team chose to experiment and create. "I have a growing list of beautiful places I've visited, but I've really only toured there and obviously have great memories of the show. But the only problem with touring is that you go in and out and you don't really get to see the place enough, so that place was definitely on that list. But also, it's been a dream of mine for a long time to record and write somewhere tropical and immerse myself in all the atmosphere and the environment and everything it really has to offer, so Costa Rica was just perfect for that," he said in front of the camera about the destination he chose with his main collaborator and co-producer. Nico Rebscher.
Throughout the talk, Tomlinson was also asked about his recent memories of Latin America and the possibility of returning, especially to Argentina. "We will see you soon," he promised without giving details or specific dates.
The back and forth about the importance of the bond with those fans led to another confession: "Those moments are vital for me personally. I get instant feedback from fans and I'm lucky enough to almost always have good shows. So that kind of feeling, especially at a time when you've been very busy and maybe a little stressed, recharges the soul. It's nice." No wonder: Tomlinson knew how to build a direct relationship with his audience, answering requests on networks and making his most loyal people part of each tour.
If one thing is clear after each of the questions and answers in this talk, it is that with this album, Louis not only sought to reinvent himself, but also to accept that all evolution involves vulnerability, trial and error. And that both in the studio and on stage, her driving force continues to be curiosity and the challenge of giving it her all. During the weeks leading up to the release, the young man also worked on his image and digital presence: he incorporated new platforms, and took a turn in the direction of his video clips. Thus, he bet on fresh sounds that reflect that "change of cycle" of which he spoke.
The album, which according to his words divides its essence between the introspective and the experimental, benefited from the calm and atmosphere of Costa Rica. It was not only a trip for the musician, but for his entire team, which accompanied ideas, night sessions and even inspiring walks on the beach. The artist mentioned how the lyrics explore themes of self-improvement, confidence and the nuances of adult life, without abandoning his pop roots, but always looking for the "extra" that makes a difference in the discography of someone who knew how to grow up under the watchful eye of millions.
The closing of the event, far from being protocol, was pure emotion and connection with the Argentine and Latin American public. When the camera was turned off and the round of questions ended, the British singer left a promise in the air and the certainty that, despite the records, the tours and the changes, the essential remains unchanged: the songs, the vulnerability, the gratitude and that encounter with the people that, album after album, is always renewed.
