Louis Tomlinson Talks On the Creative Process For His Solo Album ‘How Did I Get Here?,’ & Reflects On His Time In One Direction | Billboard In Conversation

Louis Tomlinson talks about his newfound confidence, the process of working on his new solo album ‘How Did I Get Here?,’ reflects on his time in UK boyband, One Direction, how TikTok has changed the way artists market their music, the use of AI in the music industry, appreciating the time he gets to spend with his 10 year old son, Freddie and more.

Louis Tomlinson
I was obviously very aware of previously, there might be one or two people from a band that kind of prosper, but history says there’s not normally, often more than two, really. That was really scary, because I was never going to put myself in that group of two ever. So that’s another reason why I feel so so thankful.

Jason Lipshutz
Thanks for doing this, man, I’m glad to be doing this with you. How’s the roll out been going so far?

Louis Tomlinson
It’s been good. Dare I say I’ve been enjoying it. I’m not someone who’s had loads of enjoyment out of promo in the past, truthfully, I kind of love writing and love performing, but I feel really excited about the record. It’s the first time where I’m, like, really willing to show it off, and I feel really good about that.

Jason Lipshutz
What’s been different about this time?

Louis Tomlinson
I think the confidence that I’ve built up from the last two tours that was vital for me. I think what I love about those live moments is doesn’t really leave any room for any kind of self doubt or anything like that. And I definitely struggle with that post the band, but from being in those live spaces and delivering night after night, that it’s like an undeniable feeling, you know? So I just, I’m coming into this record with a different kind of feel, like revitalized in my confidence. It’s a nice feeling.

Jason Lipshutz
I was gonna ask about that kind of confidence, which I can hear on the record.

Louis Tomlinson
Thank you.

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