Nearly a year after leaving One Direction, Zayn Malik finally released the video for his first single.
Titled “Pillowtalk,” the video features rumored flame and “good friend” Gigi Hadid and was directed by Bouha Kazmi, a London-based director of mostly independent films. Though Malik and Hadid have been coy in confirming any romance rumors between the two, things get hot and heavy in the video, aptly playing into the single’s title.
“Everybody has sex, and it’s something people wanna hear about,” Malik told the The Sunday Times Culture, regarding the subject of the racy record. “It’s part of everybody’s life, a very BIG part of life! And you don’t wanna sweep it under the carpet. It has to be talked about.”
Malik went on to add that the lyrics to “Pillowtalk” were pretty “black and white,” and he wanted the record to be “so pure, so dirty and raw.”
Also hinted at in the magazine interview? The former Directioner admitted he may be down for a reunion, “if the time was right.” This comes as different from his recent claims that “he always knew he wanted to leave” the band, as their music just wasn’t for him. “How do you write a song from five people’s perspectives?”
“Pillowtalk” is certainly a step away from his usual music with his former band and certainly a promising start to his solo career. With an R&B base, smooth lyrics, and his signature charm, the song is sure to be a hit for the musician.
“Pillowtalk” is the first single of his new album, Mind of Mine, due out in March.