Louis Tomlinson: Love Inspires New Album and Personal Growth
Louis Tomlinson Spills All About His Whirlwind Romance with Zara McDermott and How It Inspired His New Album!
In a candid and intimate conversation on Steven Bartlett's The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Louis Tomlinson opened up about his life, love, and career. The former One Direction heartthrob, 33, revealed that his new album, How Did I Get Here?, set to release in January, was heavily influenced by his intense romance with girlfriend Zara McDermott.
The couple's whirlwind relationship began after Zara split from Sam Thompson last year. They were first spotted together at a Suffolk hotel in March and have since been inseparable. The former Love Island contestant even shared their first Instagram picture together, showing them passionately kissing, with Louis leaving no doubt about his feelings by writing 'I love you' under the image.
Speaking to Steven Bartlett on his podcast, which will be live on YouTube and all major podcast platforms tomorrow at 8AM, Louis gushed about Zara's impact on his life. "I'm a deeply, deeply romantic person," he confessed. "It's also easy to be romantic when you are a creative... I really struggle to write in a fictional sense, I really struggle. For me, I have to have been living it, it has to be real to me."
He continued, "If I wasn't feeling so good, like right now, I wasn't feeling so in love… the record probably would have a slightly different feel to it." Louis made it clear that his new album is all about embracing his happiness and fulfillment, which he credits Zara with bringing into his life.
"I know that's a really cliché and obvious thing to say, but I'm not sure some of my other music did that," he said. "It made you feel, it was honest, it was painful at times, but it didn't feel good. So, I think now I've got this almost new sense of life, a new sense of happiness, and purpose, and fulfillment, all those things."
When asked about his personal life, Louis also reflected on becoming a father for the first time at 24, to his son Freddie, whom he shares with American stylist Briana Jungwirth. He recalled being "utterly confident" as a new dad and feeling like he was going to be an amazing parent.
"I never was intimidated by the idea," he said. "I've always been excited about it, even from being a young lad."
However, when it comes to taking photos with his fans, Louis admitted that there is one person he just can't say no to – his son Freddie! "I'd like to say I'm pretty good with fan photos, I'll take them eight times out of 10. But whenever I'm with Freddie, there is a 1000 per cent no chance, that is just not happening."
This interview comes after the tragic loss of Louis's One Direction bandmate Liam Payne last year. The singer has spoken publicly about his close friendship with Liam and how they would often have deep conversations.
"To be honest, that would only happen between me and Liam," he said on the podcast. "Between me and the other boys, not that it's not emotional because it is, and it's definitely deeper than surface level, but I would struggle to text the other boys as much... it's just all a bit small talk."
Louis has also been open about his struggles with 'imposter syndrome' following One Direction's overnight fame. However, he now feels worthy of the success he's earned and credits Zara for helping him see things clearly.
"I now feel worthy for the success I've earned," he said. "For a long time, I just didn't know If I'd ever get there. And I would say this album is the album that I always deserved to make. I just had to be brave enough to say 'Yes, I'm an artist. Yes, I'm a recording artist, I'm a touring artist, and I'm a songwriter.'"
The Diary Of A CEO podcast will go live on YouTube and all major podcast platforms tomorrow at 8AM, so don't miss out on this juicy and intimate conversation with Louis Tomlinson!
