Zayn Malik speaks openly about his music, his life outside the city and becoming a father

Until this story and cover shoot, Zayn Malik and I only had our birthday in common. We were born on the exact same day, month, and year, and I always wondered if we had anything in common. After a remote photoshoot and interview — which saw me slog through a few espressos to stay awake for a 4:00 am (IST) Zoom call while Malik effortlessly changed outfits and charmed everyone on set — I realized we share one trait: We both love being around people, just as much as we love our time alone.

Known for his chart-topping hits and trademark boyish mystique, Malik has transformed over the years from boyband heartthrob with a winning smile to solo artist with a sound that’s as sexy as it is sophisticated. He’s traded in the bubblegum pop beats for a musical universe that’s bold, soulful and unmistakably Zayn. He’s a trendsetter whose effortless demeanor has redefined style, as well as the perfect Bazaar Man. He’s also a philanthropist, using his platform to advocate for causes he believes in. And recently, he’s entered the beautiful world of fatherhood. But Malik, with all his multifaceted brilliance, is just entering a new era.

The former One Direction member has a new solo album—Room under the stairs— in which he blends R&B with Americana and folk music while paying tribute to his Pakistani roots. This is Malik’s first project under a new label, Mercury and Republic Records. This move marks a return to creative control, with Malik taking over production duties alongside collaborator Dave Cobb. This album has been in the works for a long time. “It started when I wrote ‘Alienated’ about six years ago. I wrote something I didn’t know I had inside me,” says the ‘Pillowtalk’ singer. “Once I unlocked that potential and realized I liked the direction of the sound, I wanted to create more. I think my daily environment shaped the music I made and made it easy for me to embrace it.”

Malik has left the cycle of pushing out new tracks and has slowly and steadily moved towards creating. After a two-year hiatus, he is back with his fourth studio album and has learnt to take more time to live a little and put more of himself into his work, with a constant fan base that has supported him through thick and thin. He walks with a certain energy, his voice has a confident tone. Even on set, he exudes a sense of contentment and peace. He wears a Manish Malhotra as delicate and casual as a pair of shorts and flannel shirts that he regularly favours.

Malik has only become more open with his followers, taking them on a journey with him. He’s grown up with us, and in some ways, we’ve grown up with him. “My relationship with my fans is constantly changing for the better, like every relationship in my life. I’m growing and learning,” he admits. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” But Malik is an artist who has largely evolved in private. While the 31-year-old believes the support of his fans has been the biggest component of his evolution (and he doesn’t forget to mention that he’s eternally grateful to them), Malik has won a battle to redefine himself without being limited by what people expect of him.

He’s more confident and simple than ever, a far cry from the kid with the effortless swoop of hair falling across his forehead. Though he recently performed his first gig in about eight years, his pre-show preparation consists of a no-nonsense brushing of his teeth. “No quirky or unusual rituals. I did a sound check and hung out with my friends until it was time to go on stage,” says Malik. The singer’s new album reflects the same stripped-down aura. Hearty vocals contrast with guitar riffs, setting just the right mood for an introspective jaunt. He stays away from performances and interviews for good reason. Malik is on to something brilliant.

None of the tracks on his new album have a co-singer. “I wrote the lyrics for 12 of the 15 songs, I co-produced them and I’m extremely proud of them. I didn’t feel like it needed another artist to tell my story now.” But it’s not that he hasn’t enjoyed collaborating with other artists. Malik recalls being inspired by Australian singer and songwriter Sia. “She’s just an incredible artist overall. I worked on ‘Dusk Till Dawn’ and sent it to her. She took it to a higher level and made it what it is today. I have so much respect for her vocals, composure, production, dedication and everything she does in terms of her art. She is the best in every way.” But this album is all about him and that makes it even more special. It’s Malik’s undisputed comeback to the spotlight. “I’m always working on projects and this is the first of many. Room under the stairs is a record that is very close to my heart and that I am passionate about. It was my diary, my perspective and my story.” As he says these words, I find him very different from the 17-year-old who X factor. His last two EPs weren’t the best they could have been, and he knows that. Malik is enjoying being less elusive in his new era, willing to reveal as much of himself as possible with full conviction.

Malik’s magical style and charisma are much calmer now – four years of fatherhood have made the pop star much more patient. “It goes by fast!” he almost seems to complain. “Being a father has only inspired me and made me a better person. My daughter is my whole life and has given me purpose.” As a father, Malik introduces his daughter to nature and teaches her to be grounded. At just three years old, Khai Hadid Malik can memorize song lyrics and has been known to ask people, “Is my daughter singing?” when a song comes on.

Malik feels grown up, maybe a little too grown up. Far from Bradford, England, Malik now lives on a farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania – a riverside retreat that has become home for the musician. He loves gardening with his daughter and showing her around the vegetable garden. He still stands out with his tattoos and charisma, and his style has found a footing too. “I don’t care what department my clothes are from, as long as they fit right and I like them! I like expressing myself through clothes,” says Malik. His music matches his new buzz cut and obsession with patina jackets. “You don’t have to stay in one genre or limit yourself to a certain style. You can always switch up depending on how you feel and express yourself.” Malik, whose dream might once have taken place in a high-end designer store, now looks back to a time when all he wanted was his uncle’s clothes. “He always had the coolest jackets and tracksuits!” he recalls.

You can tell from the lyrics of his new songs that this newfound maturity is real and substantial. You can understand how much effort it took to get to this point and to write lines like “I find this so suspicious/don’t make such a fuss/I don’t need medals/please give me another lucky day.The ‘Birds On A Cloud’ singer says self-care and self-expression are a reflection of one’s mental health, and he focuses on making the next day a happy one. Sometimes he also uses fashion to change the mood of the day. “If I’m having a bad day, I dress up to feel better,” Malik says. “If we can use fashion as a tool to feel better, why not?”

I can’t help but look forward to this new Malik and everything he will offer us. Even more so because he constantly assures us that we will now see more of the star in his new guise. Malik can’t wait to get on stage and sing his heart out. “I think my next goal, both personally and professionally, is to get back on the road and find a good balance between being on the road and being at home.” And the tour will be all about him, just like the album. “I’ve never done a solo tour before and it’s a big step, but I’m ready and I’m grateful that everyone has been so patient. It’s time!”

Editor and Interview: Rasna Bhasin (@rasnabhasin)

Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)

Photographer: Michael Schwartz @mschwartzphoto)

Stylist: Jason Rembert (@jasonrembert)

Cover design: Mandeep Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)

Barber: Kenneth Cairns (@philadelphiabarberco)

Makeup Artist: Lynda Esparza (@lyndaesparza)

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)

Style Assistant: Victor Allen Jr. (@vicallen.jr)

Tailor: Sylvio Roubertto Kovacic (@sylvio.nyc)

Production: Farago Projects (@faragoprojects)

Zayn wears a sherwani and shirt by Manish Malhotra (@ManishMalhotraworld); earrings and rings by Bernard James (@bernardjames)