Zayn Malik has released “Sideways,” a new single offering a glimpse into his forthcoming album, Konnakol, due April 17 via Mercury Records. The track, a smooth and introspective R&B offering, finds the artist reflecting on the intimacy of a past relationship, marked by quiet moments and a lingering sense of longing. It’s a sonic shift that builds on the more stripped-down aesthetic of his recent work, while hinting at a deeper exploration of personal themes.
The song’s lyrics are particularly evocative, painting a picture of shared vulnerability. “I miss lookin’ at you sideways / face-to-face with your lips on mine,” Malik sings, continuing with, “And our legs on the pillowcase / sideways, late at night with your love lying next to mine.” These lines, delivered with a characteristic vocal tenderness, capture a specific, almost cinematic quality of intimacy—the comfortable closeness of a relationship built on shared history and unspoken understanding. The release of “Sideways” arrives as part of a busy period for the artist, and within a broader resurgence of activity from former One Direction members.
Konnakol: A Return to Roots and a New Sonic Landscape
“Sideways” is the latest preview of Konnakol, which follows Malik’s 2024 release, Room Under the Stairs. That album, co-produced with Dave Cobb, represented a deliberate move towards a more raw and organic sound. Room Under the Stairs was praised for its vulnerability and stripped-back production, a departure from the more polished sound of his earlier work. The lead single from that project, “Die for Me,” released last month, further signaled this shift in artistic direction. Konnakol expands on this foundation, with additional production from Malay, a frequent collaborator on previous albums like Mind of Mine and Icarus Falls.
The album’s title itself offers a clue to its underlying themes. According to a statement from Malik, “Konnakol in its definition is the act of creating percussive sounds with one’s voice but what it means to me lies somewhere much deeper. It is a sound that holds the reverberation of a time before words existed.” He continues, explaining that his music has always been inspired by his heritage, and that this album represents a deeper understanding of his identity, origins, and artistic path.
A Busy Year for the One Direction Alumni
Zayn’s musical output is part of a broader trend among former members of One Direction, who have all been actively releasing new music. Louis Tomlinson released his album, How Did I Get Here?, in January, featuring the single “Imposter.” Harry Styles, meanwhile, unveiled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally earlier this month, and supported the release with an appearance on Saturday Night Live, as reported by Rolling Stone. This wave of solo work demonstrates the individual artistic growth and diverse creative directions each member has pursued since the group’s hiatus.
Tour Dates and What’s Next
To support Konnakol, Zayn will embark on a 31-date global tour, kicking off on May 12 in Manchester, England, at the AO Arena. The tour will take him across Europe, North America, and South America, with stops in cities including London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and São Paulo, before concluding on November 20 in Miami at the Kaseya Center. Full tour dates and ticket information are available on his official website.
The release of “Sideways” and the upcoming album Konnakol mark a compelling new chapter for Zayn Malik. The artist’s willingness to explore personal themes and experiment with different sonic textures suggests a continued evolution of his musical identity. Fans can anticipate a deeper dive into these explorations when Konnakol is released on April 17th. The next confirmed date for fans to look forward to is the album’s official release, followed by the start of the Konnakol Tour in May.
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