Sophia Michaels
Horan is making big promises for 2023. After stepping back from One Direction and going solo in September 2016, Horan released his debut album, “Flicker,” in 2017. The “Nice to Meet Ya” singer followed the release with his sophomore album, “Heartbreak Weather,” in 2020. Now, he’s returning with a third studio album that already has fans on the edge of their seats.
“What makes this record incredibly special to me is it’s a reflection of where I am in my life today as a person, a musician, and of course, as a songwriter.”
“Hello lovers, it’s Niall here. It’s been a while, which I know you’re very aware of,” he said in a Twitter video posted on Oct. 27, 2022. “But I just wanted to give you an update as to what’s going on. I’m back. I’ve got new music coming in the new year that I’m really, really proud of, and I appreciate you being so patient with me while I’ve done it. . . . I have a whole new album, too.”
In response to a fan request to share new music, Horan posted a TikTok video on Dec. 19, 2022. In the video, he strums the guitar for 10 seconds while singing “da da da.” “That’s all you’re getting,” he said.
In addition to teasing his new album, Horan also said he was excited to get back out on the road and take part in festivals in 2023, including TRNSMT fest in Glasgow, where he will be joined by The 1975, Pulp, Kasabian, George Ezra, and more.
His new single, “Heaven,” dropped on Feb. 16. The same day, Horan shared a letter to fans on Twitter. “Firstly, thank you so much for being patient with me,” he said in the video montage. “I’ve since spent the past 18 months or so working on the next record. Joel Little, John Ryan, and I got working on some ideas that I’d written at home during lockdown, and of course, some newer stuff. We spent a lot of time in LA making it and I also took an amazing trip to Joshua Tree in California to get away and really concentrate on everything. It was absolutely magic out there.”
Horan continued, “What makes this record incredibly special to me is it’s a reflection of where I am in my life today as a person, a musician, and of course, as a songwriter. I can’t say I’m not a little nervous. But, hopefully, you’ll still like this version of me when you listen to the new record. There’s something really scary about being away for so long and coming back with new music, but I couldn’t be more thankful for all you amazing people that have stood by me and supported me all of these years. These songs are for you as much as they are for me.”
Horan’s junior album, “The Show,” is scheduled for release on June 9 and is currently available for pre-order.
