Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has candidly addressed fan speculation surrounding his latest musical release, confirming he has written songs about his late bandmate and close friend Liam Payne.
Emotional Tributes in Music
Tomlinson released his third solo album, How Did I Get Here?, on Friday 23rd January 2026. The collection includes the emotionally charged track 'Dark To Light', which many listeners believed referenced Payne's tragic passing in October 2024.
In a recent interview, Tomlinson opened up about the profound impact of Payne's death on his creative process. "When something happens like that in your life it's really difficult to write anything else," he revealed. "I remember this the first time I experienced grief - how can you write a love song when you're feeling the feelings that you're feeling? It feels so unimportant to everything going in your head."
Direct and Subconscious References
When questioned specifically about whether he had composed music about Payne, Tomlinson acknowledged both deliberate and indirect tributes. "There were definitely moments where I've written about him directly and other moments that are a bit more subconscious," he explained.
The singer emphasized his desire to maintain artistic ambiguity, stating: "It's not something I want to over explain - it won't be too hard for people to join the dots." He described Payne fondly as "a puppy dog, man. Just like the sweetest, most lovely guy like that."
The Significance of 'Dark To Light'
Regarding the particularly speculated-upon track 'Dark To Light', Tomlinson shared its personal resonance. "Every time I hear it I get goosebumps, and drift off in my head and think about it," he confessed. The song contains poignant lyrics including: "I wish you could see how you look in my eyes, One more time."
Tomlinson also discussed the challenges of performing such emotionally loaded material live, noting: "It'll probably be a challenging one to do live but it's one I want to do live."
A Lasting Bond Remembered
The friendship between Tomlinson and Payne extended well beyond their years together in One Direction. Following Payne's passing, Tomlinson posted a heartfelt tribute describing him as "a brother" and someone he "looked up to everyday."
This latest album serves as both a professional milestone for Tomlinson and a personal memorial, weaving threads of grief, memory, and celebration into its musical fabric. The artist's willingness to discuss these influences provides listeners with deeper insight into the album's emotional landscape while honoring a significant relationship that profoundly shaped his life and career.
