#lt press

'Louis Tomlinson has proven he's not just an ex-boyband star, he's a rocker'

Some know him as 'that guy from One Direction', others, including myself know him as arguably one of South Yorkshire's finest exports but Louis Tomlinson is only getting better, writes Daniel Bird

Image: Mirrorpix/Daniel Bird

Daniel Bird Assistant Showbiz Editor 17:31, 12 Nov 2023

Louis Tomlinson may only have two solo albums but he's proving to be one of the artists people should keep an eye on.

Having burst onto the music scene in 2010 as one-fifth of One Direction – a band created by Nicole Scherzinger on The X Factor after all five members were rejected, he's proven he's not just an ex-boyband singer. While singers from bands tend to keep a low profile and venture into other industries after a split, Louis is on a one-way ticket to becoming a mega-star in his own right.

Known for never losing his Doncaster accent and humour, the 31-year-old is currently embarking on his Faith In The Future World Tour, performing to thousands of die-hard fans every night – which he deserves credit for.

Although he may have come from one of the biggest bands of all time, the cheeky chap isn't afraid of getting up close and personal with fans – much to the dismay of his security who leap into action when he jumps off stage and runs to the barricade to see fans. In recent weeks, Louis has seen his expensive vests ripped off him, with fans even going as far as tickling him.

This, however, hasn't stopped him from putting on an incredible show. Despite only releasing two studio albums as a soloist (his second topping the Official UK Charts), he's pushing himself to the limits and playing arenas across the world. Most recently, he performed to around 21,000 fans at Manchester's AO Arena on November 11.

Walking onto the stage may be daunting for some, but Tomlinson showed no signs of fear as he opened with The Greatest – ironically, perhaps the greatest opening track. Throughout the night, he performed hits including Kill My Mind but also paying tribute to his One Direction days, belting out Drag Me Down and Where Do Broken Hearts Go. But since his pop days, Tomlinson has edged towards a more EDM and synth sound before finding his comfort in rockier tracks. He'd previously stated he'd taken inspiration from the likes of Sam Fender, Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys and Manchester legends, Oasis.

Image: Mirrorpix/Daniel Bird

Nowadays, fans can expect the odd pop hit but also enjoy punk rock as well as indie pop and soft rock.

Ahead of the release of his second solo album Faith In The Future, the superstar singer/songwriter stars on the cover of our brand new issue, on sale October 18. Charlotte Gunn joins Louis in London to tell an epic story of how the Doncaster-born artist went from the fields of Leeds Festival, to The X Factor, phenomenal global success with One Direction and beyond.

Tomlinson is forging his own path, going from strength to strength on the new record

Saskia Postema | November 18, 2022

It’s been a turbulent three years for Louis Tomlinson since he last released an album, what with his first solo tour having to be rescheduled multiple times, a new Guinness World Record under his belt, and a leading traveling music festival on the books. Clearly, Walls was a great first record, showing intention and ambition on Tomlinson’s part. However, at times it felt stuck between past and present – as if Tomlinson was almost a little afraid to truly commit to being a solo artist.

But, he presents differently now. Whereas many singers struggle with their sophomore album, it feels like releasing Walls unlocked something in Tomlinson instead. Back in September, Tomlinson confided to EUPHORIA. that seeing the response of fans to his debut record – both upon release and on tour – has done a lot for his confidence.

That same confidence oozes from Faith in the Future, which counts 16 songs on the Deluxe version. Even though Tomlinson had hardly been able to tour by the time he started writing the album due to COVID-19, it’s clear that rich live instrumentals were constantly at the forefront of his mind. Album opener “The Greatest,” which is meant to serve as tour opener as well, sets the tone with pounding drums and an up-tempo beat. For people with preconceived notions of who Tomlinson is as an artist, and mistake him for teen pop, the song will be surprising in how loud and in your face it is. For fans, it’s just another reminder that Tomlinson was made to perform these tracks on stage. Especially considering the song is seemingly an ode to the long-standing special relationship that Tomlinson shares with them: “We’re the grеatest / It’s you and me until the еnd.”

Tomlinson certainly delivered on his promise to veer away from mid-tempo songs on Faith in the Future, with tracks such as “Out of My System” and “Face the Music” which perfectly captures the raucous and restless energy hidden in the lyrics. Nevertheless, the album feels incredibly well-balanced between more rock-heavy and even some synth/funk-inspired tracks. Thematically, the album is similar to its predecessor. While he’s been much more tight-lipped about the specific meaning or inspiration behind songs, it’s clear that finding your feet and knowing who you are continue to play a central role.

For example, there’s the track “Lucky Again” which will surely be playing on many roadtrips with its Cali rock vibes. “I’m a hard man to lose / But I figured it out, then made my way back / to a life I would choose / we were lucky once, could be lucky again.” Tomlinson sings in the chorus. “I’m a hard man to find / But you figured it out and I love you for that / Look back on a time / I was lucky once, I could be lucky again.” It speaks of a more self-assured individual, who has – indeed – faith in the future, no matter who they share it with.

Not that there aren’t songs about heartbreak on the album, but it’s clear that the approach to writing about loss of a relationship is very different. “Saturdays,” which might have taken inspiration from Coldplay and is one of the strongest songs on the record, highlights that the end of a relationship isn’t the end of you. “My heart might be broken / But I won’t be broken down,” Tomlinson’s vocals soar on the bridge. A recurring factor in the chorus, and across his entire body of work, is change. “Nobody stays the same / no matter how much you want it / some things change.”

And just like that, it shows the growth Tomlinson has gone through from his debut record to this second offering. Whereas Walls established the obstacles, Faith in the Future seems to focus on the opportunities – the lessons learned from experiencing conflict. “Common People” is a power ballad that sees Tomlinson bring an ode to his hometown and youth. “When I get lost, I go / Back to where I started.” And while sonically different, the up-tempo single “Silver Tongues” is another homage to Tomlinson’s roots if the video is anything to go by.

Perhaps one of the best songs on the album is “Written All Over Your Face”. It not only brings back the funk, punk take on alternative music popularized by early Arctic Monkeys, but also highlights a suave, sexy Louis Tomlinson vocal. From the moment that the riff flows out of your speakers, the first words “hey babe” immediately set the tone of this seductive track.

In fact, it’s Tomlinson relatively high, raspy voice that sets him apart from his contemporaries. It lends itself perfectly for the alternative rock and punk pop genre – even when he veers into dance and rave-inspired tracks like “She is Beauty, We Are World Class” and “All This Time.” Tomlinson admitted previously that he deliberately wanted to expand his horizons musically, which he surely succeeded in. The production is slick, geared towards live performances, they’re melodic, and include lyrics that undoubtedly make him an envied songwriter: “And I keep on building mountains hoping that they’ll turn to gold / But the truth is, I still doubt that what I do can get me home.”

Another track that highlights Tomlinson’s way with words is “Holding Onto Heartache,” only available on the deluxe edition. “The nights, they change in seasons / Become the strangest days / I called you twice, but then regretted it / And changed my number / The questions that I’d ask you / “Where did it all go wrong?” / There’s endless versions of the thing / That keeps me driftin’ back to darkness.”

The songs soars in the second chorus, truly making it one of the greater, more pop ballads on the album. It’s also indicative of how dynamically diverse the album is, without ever losing its cohesive feel. The various genres, tempo variations, and themes all come together in a Tomlinson-made musical tapestry. However, it’s because of the richer production on the album that the closing track feels a little unsatisfactory. “That’s The Way Love Goes” is a sweet, soothing moment meant to console a friend – but it feels a little out of place on an otherwise extremely strong album.

Louis Tomlinson Excited to Visit Japan for the First Time in 8 Years "A Beautiful Country as Ever" Fans Go Wild

2023/03/13

British singer and One Direction member Louis Tomlinson (31) attended the Japan premiere of the documentary film "ALL OF THOSE VOICES" (released on the 22nd) in Tokyo on the 13th. He came to Japan for the first time in eight years to promote the same work that depicts the trajectory of his becoming a solo artist.

　Appearing on the red carpet and receiving great cheers from the fans, Louis said, "Thank you for inviting me to Japan! I'm so excited!" When asked why he chose Japan as the starting point for the promotion, he revealed his special feelings, saying, "Although it rained, Japan is still a beautiful country. It's one of the top three countries in the world. It's an important place for me."

BY ROB SHEFFIELD | NOVEMBER 11, 2022

LOUIS TOMLINSON IS ready to find his voice as a solo star. His second solo album, Faith in the Future, comes 7 years after the end of One Direction. When he released his excellent solo debut Walls in 2020, he was admirably open about the difficulty of making an album on his own. “It took me a second to get here,” Louis told Rolling Stone. “Because there was a lot of treading water.” But this time feels different for him. As he says now, “I’m just in a more confident place.”

Faith In The Future sounds very distinct from Walls, which was focused on his Oasis-style rock songwriting. It revives the dance sound that he was exploring on his earliest solo singles, when he did collaborations with Steve Aoki and Bebe Rexha. Yet it also has pop ballads like “Chicago” and the Northern English hometown tribute “Common People.” (No relation to the classic Pulp song.) Louis took a break to speak to Rolling Stone about the new album, his love of touring, the confidence he gets from his fans, and his “break free” from One Direction.

Did you feel like you had a lot to prove with this record?

Yeah, man—I had a lot to prove to meself. And a lot to prove to anyone else who’s listening. But I just wanted to be braver with this record. I think there was times on the first album where I kind of dipped my toe into being brave and doing exactly what I wanted to do. But this time I just wanted to embrace what I love musically. There’s a different kind of love for every song. It’s not all trying to be a single.

You explore the different sides of your music in this one.

I wanted it to be broad. I was so paranoid about coming across credible on the first record. So there was an element of me being musically closed-minded. It was important for me, on this record, to be broader than that. I started out my solo career with a dance-pop hybrid thing with Steve Aoki. So for the first album, I didn’t want to go anywhere near as kind of dance-y sounds. I suppose on this record, I’m just in a more confident place, so I’m willing to be braver and do things like that. Or at least what feels braver to me.

You bring back the elements of dance from earlier in your solo career. How did you combine them with the rock guitar of Walls?

I often cite the DMA’s album that they did with Stuart Price. That’s a dance record, but there’s still loads of guitars running through the middle of it. So it gave me good inspiration for this album.

The title Faith in the Future—what does that mean to you?

I suppose it’s a bit of personal reflection. I’ve always had to have “Faith in the Future” in my life, in my career. The first record, it felt really emotional. Not that this record doesn’t, but I want to feel hopeful more than anything. So I wanted to honor it with a really hopeful title.

When we talked for Walls, you said it took you a long time to make that first solo album. Why did this one feel more confident?

I was hoping I’d have a full tour completed when I was going to write this record. Obviously, because of Covid, that didn’t happen. But I was lucky enough to have the two live shows I had before Covid got in the way. That was fresh in me mind when I was writing this whole record. And that gave me a lot of confidence. I think that really had a hand in the album feeling more confident as well.

You’ve got rock energy on this album, like “Out of My System.”

Yeah man, it feels like a throwback when I listen to it. I absolutely love that song, man. That’s a song I’m excited about playing live. I really like the video. I’ve been wanting to do a song like that for a while—it’s cool, isn’t it?

Did performing live have an impact on your songwriting for this album?

Massively. It’s my favorite thing to do. I’m lucky enough to have a lot of success touring as well. So I wanted to focus this album around those shows, and create as many exciting live moments as I could, because as a music fan, that’s the times I remember. I love listening to albums—of course I do. But the times that stay in your memory are the live moments.

Youv’ve always been the kind of live performer who makes that direct connection with the audience.

I can’t take full credit for that, because I think it’s about the connection from the fans as well. Definitely. I feel that from them at every show. And I think that’s what makes us feel connected in that moment.

How did it affect your songwriting to be heading into your thirties?

I suppose you never really know, but I like to think there’s maybe a bit more depth, because you think a little deeper as you get older. Maybe the concepts are more mature. But I don’t really feel like a 30-year-old, to be honest with you.

But you’re an artist who’s still evolving and growing, after you’ve been doing this so long.

That’s why I feel incredibly lucky, man. I had all my incredible experience in the band [One Direction]. And then now, we’ve all got time to express ourselves individually. I’ve been in the industry over a decade, which is mad to think, really. But at the same time, my solo career still feels pretty new to me. So it’s lucky to be so excited, having worked this many years in the industry. All artists, we want to constantly evolve, get better, et cetera.

The new song “Common People” is a big statement—where does that come from?

I grew up in Doncaster, so I’ve got that place to thank for who I am. I’m very aware of that and I love it. So it was important for me to have a song that honored that and gave Doncaster its credit. I dressed it up in the form of a love song. But really, the intention was just to give Donny a moment.

Obviously you’re someone with a really loyal and passionate audience that will follow you anywhere. How does that affect your music?

I never, ever take it for granted that I’m lucky enough with this album to be able to express myself in the way that I want to, with this album, because it was a shift from Walls. Often, other artists might be worried about alienating a fan base if you take a shift. But I’m so lucky to have such a loyal and passionate fan base, like you say, that I didn’t really have that worry going into this record. In my own experience, when I’ve followed my heart musically and done what I love, I feel that’s infectious. So it’s incredible having that kind of fan base, and having the confidence to be able to make a record that I want.

Again, I think it’s a testament to both of us. I look at me and my fans as almost like one collective. I can’t take full credit. I really love the relationship I have with my fans, so I won’t do anything to jeopardize it and I’m always trying to look out for it. Always.

With this album, does it feel like there’s a continuity with what you’ve been doing from the beginning? Does it feel like it’s you all the way through?

Oh yeah, I definitely do. It’s kind of a break free of who I was in the band [One Direction]. And that’s not to say I wasn’t myself in the band, but when you’re a young lad in a situation like that, I don’t care fucking how mentally tough you are, there is an element of you trying to fit a brief. And some people are putting that pressure on you. But I would say, there was an element of dumbing myself down a little bit, and being one of four or five. Whereas now, I’m lucky enough to be able to just express myself individually. And I think that’s what this album has done.

I mean, one thing that doesn’t normally happen from a band—there’s normally a couple of people that do all right out of it, but to see *everyone* doing so well is incredible. And I think that is down to individual identity, and also us being quite different. That’s quite interesting—the fact that we fit together as a band, but when you listen to our own music, it’s quite different.

The singer, 30, on selling pies, losing count of his tattoos and why he’s not been out clubbing in years.

Sat 19 Nov 2022 09.00 EST

I’m the oldest sibling, so there’s always been an element of responsibility. It was a big family, we’d have friends over, we were always on top of each other. It was dead loud in our house.

I worked at Doncaster Rovers as the guy you bought the pies off. We had a little scheme. If the pie fell on the floor, even foil side up, it couldn’t be sold. I didn’t have a lot of money at the time, so a lot went overboard, because the pies were banging.

I was the singer in my school band – the Rogue – for two years. We covered Green Day, blink-182, Oasis. I loved performing – even in front of 100 people from my year group – but they formed another band behind my back because the guitarist wanted to be the singer. I’ve had the last laugh.

What does Simon Cowell smell like? The same as me – cigarettes.

It’s so important, mentally, to have breaks from my abnormality, even if that means putting my business head on for 10 minutes.

I’m not the kind of guy who puts my awards up all over his house, but I do give them the credit they deserve. They’re pretty much centre stage in a cabinet.

Who is more likely to get back together: Oasis or One Direction? I’d love to see Oasis, but I’m going to say us fellas.

The weirdest thing I’ve had to sign? A fan’s boobs.

I’ve no idea how many tattoos I’ve got, 30 or more. Two or three are good, the rest are pretty mad. I’ve got them on my arms, feet and one I’m not proud of – a penguin – on my arse. It’s the least sexy thing in world.

My worst fear used to be getting older, but I’m in my 30s now, so I suppose I’m here. Will I still be doing this when I’m 50? I hope so.

I have an incredible skill to sleep on any flight. Whatever time, however long, it doesn’t matter, I will sleep 90%. I think my body is just starved of sleep. I do have to kind of constantly be reminded of what time zone we’re in, where we are. Your head’s a little pickled – you’re detached from the real world. It’s cool to a degree.

I’ve not been on a night out in Doncaster for years. It’s a combination of being too busy and the fact there’s always a chancer who wants to give you a slap. I don’t want to get my head kicked in.

I’m low-maintenance. I don’t have any major diva requests. As long as I’ve got coffee and cigarettes, I’m sound.

I live a pretty happy life. I’m lucky like that. I don’t cry often, but I’m not afraid to.

The worst thing about fame is the judgment, but I get it. I used to be a judgmental little fucker as well.