The world can now listen to Harry Styles' new solo single on repeat — and why wouldn't you? If you haven't heard it yet, please direct yourself to your phone or computer and play it, stat. It is that good. Speaking of listening to it, you might not believe it, but like you and I, One Direction didn't hear "Sign of the Times" early. That's right, Styles' former band mates heard the song for the first time when everyone else did — on Friday, April 7.
While chatting with SiriusXM's The Morning Mash Up show Friday, Styles revealed that he's kept the song pretty much private and didn't even share it with Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, or Zayn Malik. He revealed, "I haven’t played it for many people, I've kept it very close to my chest." Seeing as this is the 23-year-old's first solo single ever, it's completely understandable why he didn't let his former 1D members hear it pre-release.
I can only imagine that creating music by yourself for the first time and then releasing it for the world to hear would not only be nerve-racking, but something that comes with a lot of pressure. Styles has been known for One Direction and the music that they put out as a group. Now, he's showcasing who he is as a solo artist. There's a chance many won't like his music and will very well compare it to 1D's songs.
That's not to say his band mates would do the same, because they more than anyone understand what it's like to make music as popular individuals and as a first-time solo artist. But, I'm sure playing something new for even your friends, who you've made music with for years, comes with some added stress. For Styles to not play it for his fellow 1D members makes sense.
As you can see above, both Horan and Payne are beyond proud of Styles. They clearly aren't holding grudges on not getting the chance to hear "Sign of the Times" early. Why would they? Horan has already released his first single as a solo artist in September 2016 titled "This Town." As for Payne, he is currently working on new solo music. Obviously, Malik has become quite the successful musician on his own since he left 1D in May 2015. They can absolutely relate to what Styles is experiencing.
Styles also spoke to The Morning Mash Up show about having the chance to watch his band mates create music. He sweetly said, "It’s amazing to watch your friends put music out in the world and everyone so far has done amazing."
They all certainly have and I can't wait to see what they release next as individuals.
