Zayn Opens Up About Exploring Genres and Performing Live Again on the ‘Morning Mash Up’

It’s been a week since Zayn’s fourth studio album as a solo artist dropped with 15 tracks on the standard edition and another five on the deluxe. The album’s lead single, “What Am I,” was released in March, followed by “Alienated” and “Stardust.”

“It was a long-haul process writing the record and going through life experiences and trying to actually have them be genuine rather than it being like a forced thing … It feels good to have it out, and the feedback and response from the fans has been amazing,” Zayn said. “People really understand it, I feel like, and they get it. That was my apprehension at first. I didn’t know if people would understand, ’cause it’s a different genre, but it feels like it’s been positive so far.”

Unlike his first three albums, which all featured R&B and pop sounds, “Room Under the Stairs” leans more country and soul. Zayn explained to the “Morning Mash Up” that his inspiration to explore these genres came from where he lives now in Pennsylvania — “campfire vibes,” he described it — and the lyricism and storytelling from artists like Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson.

“For me, this record felt like it really fit in the car,” Zayn added. “Going on a journey somewhere and just listening to this music in the background works, ’cause I feel like I was inspired by the scenic environment I’m in and just driving around PA and stuff, like, playing it in the car. It feels like it fits there for me.”

Follow Zayn’s lead and listen to “Stardust” and more songs from “Room Under the Stairs” in your car with SiriusXM Hits 1. Stream his full interview with the “Morning Mash Up” on the SiriusXM app now.