It’s been nearly three years since Louis Tomlinson shared a new album with fans, but that’s all about to change. The singer-songwriter and former One Direction member is ready to open up more than ever on his upcoming record, How Did I Get Here?
“I sum up it as ‘The record I always deserved to make,” Tomlinson explains of his third full-length project, set for release on Jan. 23. “My bread and butter is my honesty. I genuinely wear my heart on my sleeve, and I hope it comes through in the music. I’m still learning and getting better as a singer and a songwriter. I find it impossible to be complacent; it’s not in my vocabulary. For the first time now, I’m allowing myself to be the artist I’d always hoped to be.”
After gathering his initial ideas for the project while in the English countryside, Tomlinson retreated to the scenic landscapes of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. For three weeks, he focused strictly on crafting songs that represented him and his experiences, which took full form with the help of co-producer Nico Rebscher.
“Taking all of the steps I did to get here was important,” Tomlinson reflects. “I needed to the confidence to become the artist I wanted to be and make a hopefully big, but personal album. I think I did.”
His long-awaited confirmation of a new project follows weeks of teasing new music via social media centered around the LP’s lead single, “Lemonade,” which was also released today (Sept. 30). The punchy, playful track finds the 33-year-old comparing the object of his affections to the sweet yet bitter beverage, showcasing a sonic evolution from the soundscapes of his 2022 album, All of Those Voices.
“The most important thing was for the first single to sound ambitious sonically,” explains Tomlinson. “It had to be big and fun. To me, ‘Lemonade’ really has instant and natural personality. It ended up being the perfect way to begin this chapter.”
Listen to “Lemonade” below:
