#g124

g1 - What is the main difference between Louis Tomlinson from X Factor, in 2010, and Louis Tomlinson today?

Louis Tomlinson - There is a lot of naivety in the boy who appeared on the X Factor. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. I didn't know how that would land me sitting here. I definitely had no idea what I was getting. I think I feel much more fulfilled. More confident. It took me a while to have enough courage to say: 'I'm creative, I'm a singer, I'm a songwriter'. Now, I'm just internalizing all these feelings. When you grow up in a place like Doncaster, where I grew up, it takes a while to believe all these things. Because you only watched it from afar, on TV or radio. So, when you become one of these people, there is a whole process until you believe and understand everything.

g1 - And what is the biggest similarity?

Louis Tomlinson - Probably my appearance (laughs). Well, I hope my fans don't correct me here. I like to think I've always had a pretty lovely relationship with them. I think that's the only constant thing.

g1 - Do you know any Brazilian singers or bands?

Louis Tomlinson - We were talking about Anitta today. And um... Fresh? Fre? Fresno? I'm learning. I hope [the confusion with the band's name] didn't come off as disrespectful, it wasn't my intention.

Do you have any recommendations for me? I picked up some tips today. What do you have for me?

g1 - There is a Brazilian musician called FP from Trem Bala. He did a remix of 'Kill My Mind'...

Louis Tomlinson - How cool! So far, you have made the best recommendation. Definitely.

g1 - Can I show you?

Louis Tomlinson - Of course!

g1 - What's up? Did you like it? Is there anything you would like to say to FP do Trem Bala?

Louis Tomlinson - Yes, it's a good vibe . Fun. Very fun. Thanks for doing a remix of the song.

g1 - This is your third time in Brazil. What comes to mind when you hear things like 'playing a show in Brazil', 'Brazilian tour', or simply 'Brazilian fans'?

Louis Tomlinson - Chaos. And in the best possible sense. I totally love it.

Live experiences are defined by the most chaotic moments. And coming here and always feeling this energy is as if from the first drum beat, the fans were already there. It's a really triumphant feeling.

g1 - In musical terms, how was the experience of creating 'Faith in the Future' compared to 'Walls'?

Louis Tomlinson - I felt much more fulfilled, confident. I had more understanding of what I wanted to do and how to do it. [On the first album], there was the factor that I left One Direction. It was like my head was a mess and there was so much to think about... I had no clear direction. I needed to go through the experimentation phase to truly understand who I am as an artist. This took time. Throughout my creation of 'Walls', I had that happening, but I was in a clearer, more concise place going into 'Faith in the Future'. And I think that made [the second] record better.

g1 - You recently created 28 Clothing, a fashion brand. What is your relationship with this sector?

Louis Tomlinson - I've always had a very funny relationship with fashion. Without a doubt, I'm interested in clothes, always have been. Since I was young. But there is a level of haute couture that goes far beyond my understanding.

You know, I like to dress well. Branding is something I've always wanted to do. It is also intertwined with one of my [greatest] passions, football. Football and fashion have been connected for as long as a game has been a game. The fashion of the people in the stands and everything... I think it's a very interesting thing and, certainly, a culture that I was already part of when I was younger. So, the brand helps me tell my story.

g1 - You once mentioned that you felt a little uncomfortable and more competitive at the beginning of your solo career. He said he was a little upset because he kept comparing his level of success to the other members of One Direction. Do you still feel this way?

Louis Tomlinson - No, I don't. In truth. But I think anyone — and obviously, there's not going to be many people who can relate to this — but anyone who's been through a similar situation...

Being in a band and going out on your own will always mean that your only frame of reference is comparing yourself to the other members. That's literally all you have.

I think it's a matter of maturity, actually. It took a long time for me to look at it for what it was. Because that's where the petulance begins. You start to think, 'If they're doing it, why can't I do it?'. And that becomes a little toxic. Unfortunately, that's the nature of the music industry. She is naturally competitive. We are all competing for places. But now I see it in a very different way. And like I said, this requires maturity. I also needed to be successful on my own to get through this. To get over it. Now it comes back as a confidence that I feel to be saying these things. Oh, and just to reiterate, because it's important: while I felt competitive, or more competitive than I am today, it wasn't like I wasn't immensely proud of everything the boys were doing. It was more about reflecting on my own situation. Just about thinking, 'Oh, I wish I had some of that.' Now, I feel like I'm in a very, very different place. And it's a more pleasant thing to feel, because being very competitive is not always the most pleasant feeling.

g1 - I imagine you hear questions like this all the time, right? Is it peaceful for you?

Louis Tomlinson - Yes, everything is fine. As I mentioned before, I understand the obvious public interest in One Direction. This is obvious. And you know, I appreciate that these things are interesting. I suppose [they are].

g1 - Lastly, what is your favorite song at the moment and why?

My favorite album is Paolo Nutini's latest. It's great, incredible. He's an incredible vocalist, maybe he's my favorite singer. It is indeed an inspiring album.