Zayn Malik, of a Pakistani father and a British mother, rose to fame when, at just 17 years old, he participated in The X Factor program and became a member of One Direction – along with Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Harry Styles. –, the most famous boy band of recent times. After several albums, tours and successes, Zayn started his solo career, which he always wanted from the beginning. His incredible voice and his multiple musical influences were going to accompany him on this new path.
In the decision there was an artistic need, of course, but also a vital one: he needed the calm that he did not have. Thus, he went from media overexposure to doing things his way, openly acknowledging the anxiety that the previous stage caused him, and doing his best to remain almost invisible. Without tags.
You can always let your shadows guide you and do the things you don't want to do just because you think that's what the rest of the world asks of you... But you can also choose and let your light rule. It is very difficult to get rid of things that one does not want. He has achieved it.
GQ: How has your personal experience of life in quarantine been? Some people have adapted better than others. Are you one of them?Zayn Malik: I think the quarantine has affected me the same way it has affected everyone else. I'm not a person who spends too much time away from home or outdoors and I like to have my own space, so that's the only advantage, other than now it's driving me crazy too.
GQ: I was asking because there are so many poetic references to nature in the song River Road. Do you prefer country life or the big city?ZM: I live quite far from the city, so I think that makes it clear…
GQ: On one of your Instagram Lives you mentioned that you had been recording original music. Does that mean we can expect a new album soon?
ZM: It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm going to release a new album soon, but the reality is that I'm always working on new music.
GQ: And have you thought about acting during this time? Many of your videos are like little movies…ZM: I've always liked acting, so maybe yes, if the role is right.
GQ: Many times you have commented that your music is influenced by R&B, rap, reggae and soul. What bands or artists have influenced you the most?ZM: I don't like to single out any individual artist or define an entire genre for that person. I listen to all kinds of music, all artists, all genres. They all influence me.
GQ: You've done a lot of collaborations with other artists, but which ones would you like to work with that you haven't been able to do yet?ZM: If I haven't worked with them it's because I don't want to work with them yet.
GQ: It's surprising to see all the creative ways you've found to promote your new album, things that we've never seen before and that come directly from you. Has having so much creative control made you feel more fulfilled as an artist?ZM: It's not necessarily about gaining creative control to feel more fulfilled, it's just something I do as an artist because it's my true purpose, so I have to do it.
GQ: We are very curious to know more about the Harry Potter video game project...They asked me if I liked Harry Potter and if I wanted to participate in the game. I've always been a fan, so I said yes and we went from there.
