Harry Styles is reflecting on the challenges he faced after One Direction disbanded in 2015. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, the 32-year-old singer revealed that stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist left him feeling unexpectedly isolated.
Life After One Direction
“When you’re in a band with four other people, there’s so much room to hide,” Styles explained, referencing former bandmates Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne. “But I also felt very alone all of a sudden.”
He admitted that the transition to performing solo was daunting. “The first couple of times on stage [without One Direction], I’d think, ‘What do I do with my hands?’” Styles said. Despite the pressure, he was grateful that fans were eager to hear what he would create on his own.
Finding His Sound
Styles released his debut self-titled album in 2017, a project he described as both liberating and nerve-wracking. “I was trying to explore what music I would make by myself, but I felt there were a lot of people who had put faith in me, and I didn’t want to disappoint them,” he shared.
The album marked the beginning of his evolution into one of pop’s most versatile and acclaimed solo artists.
Taking Time Off
After concluding his 22-month-long Love on Tour in July 2023, Styles took his first proper break in over a decade. Initially, the idea of slowing down felt “insane,” but he embraced the opportunity to recharge.
He spent time in Italy, where he learned to appreciate life at a slower pace. “I realized the pleasure in just being in the moment,” he said, noting how the culture taught him to savor meals and simple experiences.
A New Perspective
The three-time Grammy winner described his time away from music as “so powerful.” It allowed him to discover who he was outside of fame and gave him a fresh outlook on his artistry. “Living my life in a way where I could really like who I am away from this world has been so powerful for me,” he said.
What’s Next
Now, Styles is ready to return. His fourth studio album, All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., arrives March 6, 2026. He has also announced a global residency spanning 50 shows across seven cities, including Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney. Speaking about the album title, Styles explained: “Loving and moving through your life with love and taking a break every now and then to have some fun is a really good way to approach your life. That’s what I felt like I did the last couple years, and it led to positive changes in my life.”
