Harry Styles Details Music Hiatus in Candid John Mayer Interview

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Harry Styles is doing some late-night talking about where he’s been. 

I’m so excited! It’s been four years since Harry’s last album, and over two years since I last saw him live on the Love on Tour! This new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, feels like a real moment, and I’m dying to know what he’s been working on all this time. What has he been up to?

Harry recently shared on John Mayer’s podcast, My Stupid Podcast, that the past two years have taught him the importance of experiencing events as an audience member. After spending so much time performing on stage, he realized it’s easy to lose touch with what it feels like to be part of the crowd, dancing and singing along with others.

That’s why he’s spent the past two years rediscovering the joy of live music. Many fans will recall seeing him enthusiastically enjoying the Glastonbury Festival in July.

His foray into audience attendance also helped inspire his new album.

Harry explained that a big part of the experience was recreating the feeling of being in the crowd. He wanted the music to be truly special for listeners, capturing the energy and excitement of a live dance floor – that’s the kind of music he aimed to create.

Plus, the One Direction alum’s hiatus allowed him time to, proverbially, touch some grass.

He explained that life as a touring musician can gradually become isolating. Over time, you tend to trust fewer people and your circle of friends shrinks – it’s a natural part of growing up. He realized that recently, he needed to reconnect with others. While protecting yourself from negativity is important, it also means missing out on positive experiences.

As a little peek behind the scenes, I learned Harry Styles really lets you into his world when he shares music he loves. He actually played a snippet of ‘Kiss All The Time’ – a disco track that’s seriously catchy – for a select group before it officially dropped on March 6th. It’s a cool way to connect with fans and give them a first listen!

I’ve been sharing this new music with a lot of people, even having them play it in the studio. Usually, I keep my work very private until it’s completely finished. But I realized that approach made the music feel like just a product, and I wanted to change that by getting more feedback throughout the process.

Instead, Harry frequently played the album for his friends and asked for their opinions. Their feedback actually changed how he felt about the album himself.

He explained that the music was clearly designed to be played at a high volume, and that’s when it truly comes alive. However, he also enjoys the intimate experience of listening with headphones. He hopes listeners will try both ways – loud and private – to discover how it changes their overall enjoyment of the album.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m thrilled about Harry Styles’ upcoming album, ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally!’ It’s been a while – his last full album, ‘Harry’s House,’ was a huge success back in 2022, even snagging him three Grammys, including Album of the Year. Though it’s been nearly four years since he released a full album, he’s definitely kept busy! He was still performing all those incredible songs from previous albums on his Love On Tour shows right up until July 2023.

Harry, who was linked to Zoë Kravitz in August, loves performing, especially connecting with his fans through his music.

You know, one of the most amazing things about performing live is the energy from the crowd. I was chatting with Zane Lowe a while back on Apple Music 1, and I realized how incredibly supportive they are. It truly feels like they just want me to enjoy myself up there, and honestly, it’s the best feeling in the world. Doing shows really is my favorite thing to do.

He also loves working with Kid Harpoon (Thomas Edward Percy Hull) and Tyler Johnson, both of whom have collaborated with the actor since his first solo album in 2017.

After working with Tom and Tyler extensively, we’ve developed a really efficient way of communicating,” Harry explained. “I appreciate being able to simply describe the sound I’m aiming for, and they can quickly translate my ideas into reality.

Before Harry Styles’ new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, is released on March 6th, here are some interesting facts about him.

Harry Styles was born on February 1st, 1994, in Evesham, Worcestershire, to Anne Cox and Desmond Styles. He grew up with an older sister, Gemma, who was born in 1990.

The family settled in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, shortly after he was born, and his mother, Anne, recalls his first word being “cat.”

Styles described his hometown – a village of around 5,000 people – as both “quite boring” and “picturesque.”

In his memoir, Dare to Dream, Harry remembered being unusually upset – he rarely cried – when his parents told him and his sister, Gemma, that they were getting divorced. He was seven years old at the time.

He admitted he hadn’t fully understood the situation at the time, but he was simply upset about his parents’ separation.

Des and Anne remained together for two more years, after which Des moved out and Anne relocated with Harry and Gemma to Northwich, a rural area in Cheshire. Later, when Harry was a teenager, the family returned to live in Holmes Chapel.

Anne and Robin Twist got married in 2013 after being a couple for more than ten years. Her son, Harry, proudly walked her down the aisle and also served as best man at the wedding.

Everyone who knew him said Harry was a lively, imaginative child who loved being the center of attention – a natural performer, whether he was singing or playfully running around in public. He thrived in school plays, and the classic rock music he shared with his dad – artists like Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Queen – influenced his own musical preferences.

In her 2013 biography, Harry Styles—Every Piece of Me, Louisa Jepson writes that Harry’s first recording was of Elvis Presley’s “The Girl of My Best Friend,” made on a karaoke machine his grandfather gave him. As he grew up, he also became a fan of bands like Coldplay, and artists such as John Mayer and Noel Gallagher.

Harry joined his first band around age 14, hoping to play the bass guitar. However, another member already filled that role, so he became the singer instead. The band, called White Eskimo, won their school’s Battle of the Bands, earning a £100 prize and their first performance opportunity – playing at a wedding.

Anne shared with Now magazine in 2010 that her son has always been confident and charismatic. She noted he’s been making people happy since childhood and always seemed destined for a life in the performing arts.

Harry earned a little extra scratch—£6 an hour—working at W. Mandeville bakery on Saturdays. 

Simon Wakefield, his former boss, told the Mirror in 2013 that he was the politest employee they’d ever had. Wakefield recalled that customers particularly liked Styles, especially when Styles returned to the shop to film scenes for the movie One Direction: This Is Us.

Mr. Wakefield explained that the shop became very popular with young girls when Harry worked there. He recalled times when as many as twelve girls would come in at once, and even now, groups of around twenty often visit and take pictures. Harry was a dedicated employee, responsible for everything from serving customers and cleaning the back room to scrubbing floors, washing trays, and wiping down the counter.

Anne was the one who ended up sending Harry’s X Factor application in when he got cold feet.

When he auditioned for The X Factor in spring 2010, the 16-year-old – who often receives praise from his mother – performed Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” without musical accompaniment. He explained that singing is his passion, and if the people who could help him achieve his dream disagreed, it would be a significant obstacle to his plans.

Harry didn’t advance to the final or even the second-to-last round for the boys, but the show’s producers liked him too much to eliminate him.

I’ll never forget watching when Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger – who was filling in for Cheryl Cole at the time – decided to put Harry with Liam, Niall, Zayn, and Louis. It seemed like a random grouping then, but obviously, it turned out to be a stroke of genius! They ended up forming one of the biggest boy bands ever.

In the 2013 documentary One Direction: Going Our Way, Scherzinger jokingly admits to playing a key, though often unacknowledged, role in the group’s success. Meanwhile, judge Louis Walsh is remembered for famously failing to recognize Harry Styles’ potential.

It was Harry, however, who came up with the group’s name.

He remembered thinking the name sounded good when they were brainstorming. They tossed around a few ideas, and he honestly couldn’t recall exactly how it happened, but he suggested the name, everyone agreed, and it just ended up sticking.

Zayn explained on Phoenix’s Hot 97.5 FM in 2012 that the band initially brainstormed a huge list of potential names. Harry suggested the name they eventually chose, simply texting it to the group, and they all agreed it worked. Apparently, Liam had some pretty awkward suggestions too. Zayn also remembered one idea – USP, which stood for Unique Selling Point.

In October 2010, One Direction hit the X Factor stage live for the first time.

As Harry’s mum, I have to say, I’m so proud of the lovely young man he’s become. What everyone’s seeing on the show is exactly the Harry I know and love at home – genuine and kind. I told Now magazine how pleased I am that he’s coming across so authentically.

When Harry went to the X Factor house, I told him, ‘Stay yourself, Harry, and don’t become someone unpleasant. Remember, even with all this, you’ll still have chores to do when you get back home, like unloading the dishwasher.’

Despite being naturally suited for performing, Harry began experiencing panic attacks before each live show, according to Alice Montgomery’s biography, Harry. He once even vomited in the hallway beforehand. Eventually, he found that drinking sparkling water and practicing deep breathing helped him calm down.

Despite their later success, One Direction didn’t win The X Factor in 2010. They finished in third place, with Matt Cardle winning the seventh series and Rebecca Ferguson coming in second.

Harry recalled his primary school years, telling biographer Louisa Jepson that he had friends of both genders. He wasn’t like some boys who disliked girls, and he generally got along with everyone.

According to his White Eskimo bandmate, Will Sweeny, Harry Styles was surprisingly popular with girls even when he was very young. Sweeny told the Daily Star that Harry had multiple girlfriends starting around age 10, and always seemed to have a natural charm that attracted them. He described it as amusing and said Harry had ‘an unbelievable way with girls’ throughout his life.

Louis Tomlinson jokingly complained to The Sun that the biggest issue with living with Harry was the never-ending parade of women coming and going. He said it was “relentless.” Of course, Louis was dating Eleanor Calder at the time, so he was likely teasing Harry a bit.

However, Jepson’s dad, Desmond, reassured him that his son was completely devoted when he was truly in love with someone.

Harry has always prioritized safety, especially when it comes to intimacy. He shared with OK! magazine in 2012 that he was worried about getting someone pregnant the first time he had sex, even though they had taken precautions. Thankfully, everything was okay, and he believes it’s irresponsible to assume things will be alright without proper care.

Following One Direction’s win on The X Factor in 2011, Harry publicly expressed interest in both 22-year-old Frankie Bridge from the group The Saturdays and 31-year-old Caroline Flack, who hosted The Xtra Factor, the companion show to The X Factor.

He confessed to having a childhood crush on Frankie Bridge, saying he’d been in love with her since he was around eight years old when she was in S Club Juniors. He even used to have posters of her and admitted he’d love to kiss her. He also named Frankie and Caroline Flack as his favorite celebrities, calling them both attractive. After the interview, he posted on The X Factor website, hoping Caroline Flack would see his message and say hello, calling her gorgeous.

Harry and Caroline first met in October 2011 at an after-party for a show at London’s W Hotel, and they left together. However, according to Alice Montgomery, nothing significant happened between them that night.

Looking back at things, it all started so naturally. We were both single, had a great connection, and honestly, we just enjoyed each other’s company. That’s what I wrote in my memoir, Storm in a C Cup. But things really changed when the relationship became public. Initially, it was all lighthearted and fun – he even playfully teased me about being attracted to older women. It’s amazing how outside pressure can shift things, isn’t it?

Despite claims that she and Harry Styles were just friends, fans of the band One Direction strongly expressed their disapproval, leading Caroline Flack to publicly state their close friendship and express her distress over receiving death threats.

“Flack off, Caroline,” read a banner on display at a 1D concert.

The 14-year age difference between them continued to draw criticism from both the public and the media. Caroline Flack explained to Now magazine that she didn’t understand the negativity. “I don’t see what the problem is,” she said. “If two people connect and are happy, why do others feel the need to focus on the negative?”

As One Direction began to achieve massive international fame, Harry and Taylor secretly stopped dating around early 2012.

In a 2012 episode of iCarly, One Direction—including Harry—made an appearance as themselves. Shortly after a doctor warned Carly she might still be contagious, Harry jokingly claimed to have caught “jungle worms” after sharing her water bottle. Even after recovering, he pretended to still be sick to get Carly to continue caring for him.

After a bit of a scare, Harry recovers, and One Direction is able to perform their hit song, “That’s What Makes You Beautiful.”

This funny little piece of pop culture history is still shared online, including a 2013 tweet that reads: “Feeling down? Harry Styles turned down a kiss from Miranda Cosgrove in the original script for the One Direction episode of iCarly.”

Back in 2012, after Taylor Swift and Harry Styles met at the Kids’ Choice Awards, Justin Bieber told the Daily Mirror that a very famous artist had told him they thought Harry was attractive, but he wasn’t allowed to say who.

Harry told Seventeen magazine that summer how incredibly talented and genuinely kind Taylor Swift is. He said she’s “just a really sweet person.”

Their romance wasn’t expected to last, but Taylor was at One Direction’s first concert at Madison Square Garden that December – a show where Harry was playfully showered with bras, underwear, and even an iPhone. For a few bright months, they were the biggest pop couple, going on a public date in Central Park, visiting Harry’s hometown of Northwich, and ultimately taking a trip to the Caribbean that ended with Taylor left on a boat by herself.

Reflecting on their date in New York City, Styles told Rolling Stone in 2017 that relationships are challenging no matter how old you are. He added that being 18 and figuring things out made it even harder. He explained that it should have been a simple date with someone he liked, but it was a bit awkward and ultimately a learning experience. Really, he just wanted it to feel normal.

As someone who’s observed relationships and creative expression for years, I’ve always found it fascinating when personal experiences inspire art. Harry Styles touched on this when discussing Taylor Swift’s songs thought to be about their time together. He basically said he feels fortunate if their history contributed to those tracks, because those are the songs that truly resonate. It’s that deeply personal stuff – the things that are hardest to articulate – that he keeps closest to the vest. He believes that part of a relationship is between the two people involved, and he’s committed to keeping certain details private, which I completely understand. Some things are just meant to stay between those who lived them.

Asked if he had anything to tell Swift, he mused, “Certain things don’t work out. There’s a lot of things that can be right, and it’s still wrong. In writing songs about stuff like that, I like tipping a hat to the
time together.

You’re celebrating the fact it was powerful and made you feel something, rather than ‘this didn’t work out, and that’s bad.’ And if you run into that person, mayb

Harry likes snowboarding.

In January 2014, a source told TopMob News that Harry and Kendall Jenner seemed to be enjoying each other’s company after they were seen together in Mammoth Lakes. Kendall later described Harry as a “cool” friend at the American Music Awards in November 2013.

Harry also likes swimming. 

That marked the beginning of a years-long, often ambiguous friendship, with Styles and Jenner seen together in places like Southern California, Anguilla, and St. Barts.

Harry Styles hinted in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone that a more recent ex-girlfriend – possibly Kendall Jenner, following his relationship with Taylor Swift – heavily influenced his album. He explained he sometimes subtly references exes in his music, and other times makes the connection very obvious, hoping they understand the songs are about them.

Any photos circulating over the years that seemed to show Harry and Louis – or “Larry,” as fans nicknamed them – kissing were not real.

Harry Styles clarified on Australian television show Sunrise that a photo of him and Louis Tomlinson appearing to kiss was altered. He pointed out that the original picture, which was in a magazine, actually included another woman in the shot.

Louis explained that this had happened to him and Niall too. He described how, when someone is being targeted, others will often isolate them. He thought it was a surprisingly effective tactic.

Harry was the one who first brought up the idea of One Direction taking a break, suggesting it while they were recording in a London studio – a situation reminiscent of the Beatles.

He explained to Rolling Stone that they didn’t want to overwork their fans. While it would have been easy to just keep touring, the band felt that would be a mistake. They valued their fans and their own reputation too much to risk wearing everyone out and losing people’s enthusiasm.

Zayn’s friends supported his decision. He had been dealing with anxiety and relationship problems with his then-fiancée, Perrie Edwards – fueled by tabloid rumors of infidelity – and ultimately decided to leave the group in March 2015.

After Zayn Malik left One Direction, the remaining members announced in August that they would be taking a break. Their final concert was held on October 31, 2015, at Sheffield Arena in Britain, which was a sad night for their dedicated fans.

After Zayn Malik said One Direction’s songs weren’t very cool—specifically, that he wouldn’t put them on while having a romantic dinner—Harry responded calmly and avoided any conflict.

Honestly, it broke my heart a little to hear him say that, but you know what? He deserves all the happiness in the world if he’s chasing his passion. I just want him to be okay and do what makes him happy, always. It’s what he deserves!

If you’re unhappy with something, it’s perfectly okay to switch to something you enjoy. I’m happy for him that he’s pursuing his passions, and I wish him all the best.

He explained to Rolling Stone that he didn’t want to just write fictional stories for his first solo album, aptly named Harry Styles. He wanted to share his personal experiences – his own stories. Being honest was his main goal, as he hadn’t really done that in his music before.

That being said, the game was on when it came to figuring out what, or who, he was singing about.

Harry explained that he deliberately keeps his personal and professional lives separate. He believes this helps him maintain a healthy balance and stay grounded. He doesn’t want to create a persona or prolong his career; he simply wants to be himself, whether at work or at home. He values being able to switch between these two parts of his life and finds it incredibly fulfilling. He prefers not to overshare, believing it’s important to keep those areas distinct.

The songwriter explained to Rolling Stone that the song is told from the perspective of a mother experiencing a difficult childbirth. She’s told her baby will be okay, but she won’t survive, giving her just five minutes to say goodbye and encourage her child to live a full life.

Harry Styles is known for his great hair, no matter how he styles it. Back in 2017, British Vogue actually examined a photo of his dressing table from before a Paris concert and found seven different hair products! He also had a bottle of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille fragrance, a Diptyque candle, and Sunday Riley face oil.

Vogue beauty editor Lisa Niven playfully pointed out that Harry seems to have the self-care routine of a professional beauty editor, giving him credit for using great products like Ouai hair care and Sunday Riley oil. She added, with a touch of humor, that who wouldn’t request a Diptyque candle as part of their backstage requests?

Only a few million people realized he’d gotten a haircut before he began actively promoting his music again.

He told Vogue he initially felt vulnerable after shaving his head. He explained it wasn’t a difficult choice, and the hair was ultimately used to create a wig.

I’ve been a fan of Harry for years, and it’s something a lot of people don’t know: he actually has four nipples! He has the usual two, but also two extra ones right underneath them. It’s a unique feature, and honestly, it just makes me admire him even more.

When Harry Styles was in One Direction, he was known for his casual style – tight pants and wrinkled t-shirts. But since then, he’s embraced much bolder fashion choices, often wearing sharply tailored suits or stylish jackets and slacks, and has even modeled for Gucci in two campaigns.

Harry Styles shared with Entertainment Tonight that Shania Twain was a major influence on both his music and his sense of style, saying, “I think she’s amazing.”

Wait, what? 

Growing up, my mom, Anne, loved listening to Shania Twain, Norah Jones, and Savage Garden – a lot of ’90s music! Meanwhile, my dad, Des, was teaching me all about rock and roll at home.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always impressed by multi-talented individuals! Take Harry, for example. While pursuing his music, he landed his first major film role in Christopher Nolan’s incredible WWII movie, Dunkirk, back in July 2017. It was a huge hit, earning eight Academy Award nominations and ultimately winning three – a fantastic accomplishment!

You know, people always ask me who’s tougher to perform for, Christopher Nolan or Simon Cowell. Honestly, I’d say Nolan. It’s not that he’s critical, it’s that he’s…silent. He just sits in the back of the room, completely still, and it’s incredibly intense! You walk out of the audition and immediately start replaying everything, wondering if you made a good impression. It’s a total mind game!

At least he could rest assured that Nolan wasn’t giving him special treatment.

The director admitted they didn’t fully realize how well-known Harry was at the time of casting. While their children had mentioned him, they weren’t particularly aware of his fame. Ultimately, they chose Harry for the role because he was a perfect fit and demonstrated real talent during the audition process.

Styles admitted that walking onto the set of a big-budget war epic was a bit intimidating at first.

He was immediately struck by how large the production was, telling The Big Issue that ‘you walk onto set the first day and are overwhelmed by everything.’ As it was his first film, he also had to learn to manage the challenges—even those that were quite literal.

One particularly intense scene involved Harry Styles’ character, Alex, nearly drowning. Styles told USA Today that filming the scene was genuinely frightening, as he was acutely aware of his limited breath-hold. He remembered being asked about his swimming ability the day before filming began in France, and quickly realizing the role would require a lot of time in the water – to the point where he joked they seemed intent on seeing how long he could swim before actually drowning.

And…he’s funny, too. 

In 2017, Harry Styles was everywhere promoting his music, and he also stepped in to host The Late, Late Show twice – once in 2017 and again in 2019 – successfully filling in for James Corden, even mastering American-style political comedy. Interestingly, years earlier while looking for a house in Hampstead Heath, he lived with Late, Late Show executive producer Ben Winston and his wife, Meredith, for nearly two years, sleeping on a mattress in their attic.

He was away a lot, being a major pop star, but still.

Styles admitted he was hesitant to bring dates back to Meredith’s place, but Winston recalled a different story. He said Styles wasn’t always alone and it was fun to see the famous people who would stay in the attic or hang out with them. They never talked shop, and Styles would act like his recent performances for crowds of 80,000 in Rio de Janeiro hadn’t even happened.

In 2017, while performing as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live with Jimmy Fallon hosting, Harry Styles playfully impersonated Mick Jagger. Then, in July 2018, during an appearance on The Tonight Show, he jokingly told Jimmy Fallon he’d love to host the show. Fallon pretended to faint, and Harry playfully took over as host, sitting comfortably behind the desk.

Styles returned to SNL as host and musical guest in 2019 and crushed it.

CBS’s show Happy Together, which marked Harry Styles’ debut as an executive producer on American network television, was not renewed after airing its first 13 episodes.

After his first solo tour wrapped up in July 2018—selling nearly 1 million tickets across 89 shows—a total of $1.2 million was donated to charity. This included a portion of the tour’s profits, as well as contributions from Live Nation and the GLSEN PRIDE campaign.

Harry Styles’ career soared after he won his first Grammy in 2021 for his song “Watermelon Sugar,” earning him the Best Pop Solo Performance award. He continued his success two years later with his album Harry’s House, winning two Grammys in a row, including the prestigious Album of the Year. When accepting the Album of the Year award, he humbly shared, “This is so, so nice, and this doesn’t happen to people like me very often.”

Harry’s accomplishments extend beyond his Grammy win. In 2020, he made history as the first solo male artist to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine.

Besides writing his own songs, Harry also co-wrote songs for other popular artists. He’s credited on Ariana Grande’s hit “Just a Little Bit of Your Heart,” and the song “Someday” by Meghan Trainor and Michael Bublé.

Most people know Harry Styles as a singer and actor – he even appeared in Olivia Wilde’s film, Don’t Worry Darling. But he considered other career paths too. In 2020, he told Ellen DeGeneres that if he wasn’t a musician, he’d love to be a florist.

He also thought about becoming a physiotherapist. He explained on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show that he originally wanted to be a footballer, but wasn’t skilled enough. He then considered physiotherapy, but learned there weren’t many job opportunities in that field, so he pursued music instead.

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2026-01-23 16:23