How Zayn Drew Inspiration From Chris Stapleton and Embraced Honesty on New Single 'Alienated'

Zayn could have easily wrapped his real-life experiences around convoluted metaphors and hidden messages on his latest single, “Alienated.” And he might have on previous records, but as the musician explained on the latest episode of Rolling Stone‘s The Breakdown: he isn’t trying to trick you.
“I feel like the whole intention behind this record is I’ve sang a lot of stuff in there that’s real straightforward. There’s not too many mind games going on. So I’m hoping people will understand the concept themselves and get with it,” Zayn said. “It’s a special song, in that sense, because it really solidified that I could do something in this space for myself.”
“Alienated” marked a significant starting point for his upcoming album Room Under the Stairs (out May 17), which Zayn wrote and produced with a technician before bringing on Dave Cobb as co-producer. It puts aside the glossy R&B of his earlier releases in favor of a more rustic and soulful sound inspired by the likes of Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson.

[@ankitan.8506]

6 min of Zayn talking passionately without any interruption of any interviewer : BLESSINGS

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@litezgames]

Its ridiculous how the idea was from six years ago. Its alienated inde3d

[@ScarlettJ1221]

Seeing Zayn doing interviews is a miracle itself

[@nidheeshjoiya2291]

Exactly..we can finally see his new side

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@anasibinovska9807]

The raw vocals? Oh and the way he sang the word 'alienated'? I felt that in my bones 💔

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@masv2409]

Exactly my thoughts!

[@ElliotAlderson-cg2qk]

Do u want to feel my bone?

[@annika5422]

So happy Zayn is doing Interviews and promoting the new album, it just feels like a dream. Us Zquad we have WON!

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@HaHalima-lw4oc]

Volontiers 😊 🎉 💯 🍀 💎 ❤❤​@@btsgalaxy_

[@gzhdiamond2616]

Truly 😊

[@coolcat2956]

i hope he does a tour :)

[@ebonyqueen5873]

The way his raw vocals sound so good is a testament to his talent. Such a great insightful interview explaining his craft. Alienated is such a beautiful song

[@doctorradio8]

No BS. Just zayn being zayn and getting out of his comfort zone and doing interviews and stuff. I am so proud of you zayn and how far you have come. Love the raw vocals way too much

[@anissahaniff1479]

‘Alienated’ is beautiful, Zayn. You were always meant to be behind the mic. ‘Alienated’ is Zayn being vulnerable with us. This is what the entire album is like and I can’t wait! His deep and impactful lyrics combined with his sky-scraping vocals never fail to impress. Zayn poured his whole heart and soul into this. Zayn, I am so proud of you and I hope you're proud of yourself and how far you've come!!! I love you so much!!! Keep ztreaming, everyone!! Let’s show Zayn how proud we are of him!!!

[@HaHalima-lw4oc]

C'est Vrai 🎉❤

[@MissAmericana-qf9sx]

Gostei muito tbm DE WHATH I AM❤❤❤

[@ezra8197]

Zayn, just talking, completely uninterrupted, so he can clearly share his thoughts and tell about his art 10000/10. I love to see it

[@iminzayn5442]

2:08 those raw vocals caught me off guard!! Are you trying to kill us!

[@sushmithasanu3084]

He is trying to disconnect our soul from our body

[@zefitillimmeagain]

l love hearing how an artist arrives at the inspiration for their work and loving Zayn's music, hearing this is everything!

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@sophia-it3dy]

Zayn is finally living life. So happy for him

[@Arlodin2828]

2:09 when he starts listening to the song, it’s like he goes back to that moment in the past. I felt so emotional watching him here 😭

[@samikshatayal5873]

The raw vocals are heavenly🤌🤌

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@samikshatayal5873]

@@btsgalaxy_ On it👽🛸

[@marythomas794]

So thoughtful and introspective. Zayn is an incredible vocalist and sounds amazing but to also see him be this vulnerable is quite beautiful and gives this project such depth

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@user-vm9iz9ud5c]

The way he talks about his music and the sheer honesty he is willing to show us is admirable. He will always be special for a reason.

[@zaynzquad275]

We are so proud of you Zaynie 🥹❤️

[@Blueki]

Yes❤️😭

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@bris17]

Seeing Zayn do all these interviews makes me feel immensely proud of him❤

[@di3di3]

Beautiful! That raw vocal is *chef's kiss*

[@btsgalaxy_]

Stream alienated

[@RanaaaZ0]

ZAYN talking about RUTS is everything we dreamed about I’m very proud of you man😭♥️

[@Chaanysg]

Zayn is the type of artist who can get emotional by his own record at any times and I find that verry beautiful. He is so talented, I really enjoy listening to him everday and seeing that he can express himself about his music makes my heart melt. This kind of honestly is rare.

[@paziis]

This interview is now one of my favorites! Six minutes of him only talking about his music? This is heaven!

[@PM-fq1dc]

Alienated and What I Am speaks to my soul! Straight from Zayn’s heart to my soul! He did very well with this album and I cannot wait for the whole world to hear him!

[@Directioner_forever301]

I opened KZbin and saw zayn and a title I thought it was an old interview but guess what its nottt. am so happy that he’s doing interviews now so proud as well 💛💛💛

[@ingeMarcel]

I love how excited he is to share his music with us and actually promoting the album! I feel proud can't wait to hear the full album😊

[@sari3597]

Zayn's voice is an instrument. He doesn't need any other music instruments to sound awesome. His voice is just enough❤

[@sail_withme]

I love r&b Zayn but I'm loving folk/country Zayn too! He is truly a chameleon artist! I've already pre-ordered my RUTS album and I can't wait to listen to it in full!

[@anju3763]

he's so proud and excited about this album 🥺❤️ I can't wait to listen

[@gslife25]

I think this album will become my favorite.. I love the 2 singles so much already👁️👽

[@sarastyles94]

Seeing him doing interviews, talking about the album and how he made it it's wonderful, his vocals are INCREDIBLE I'm so proud of him❤❤

[@jackdawson2292]

Zayn voice is fire 🔥🔥🔥

[@user-yz5fz2oj1c]

It is special, as are YOU! 💚💛

[@lissetteramos9090]

Zayn I just want to say I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come :’) love ya ❣️

[@teiaalexander7131]

Alienated is a masterpiece of emotional life experience of Z’s but so many of us can relate! Thank you Zayn cannot wait for May 17th!

[@user-yz5fz2oj1c]

Ahhhhh Zayn! Love hearing you speak about your music! You are such a musical genius. Your songs come from your heart and soul and I'm here for it! Thank you for your talent! You will always be loved! 💚💛

[@Liminal_Galaxie]

Takes such bravery to put something from the deepest feelings in your soul and give it to the world. Not to mention the technical skill and perfect senses of pitch & timing. ❤Zayn you're legendary ❤

[@katey614]

Thank you, Zayn and Rolling Stone! Always love to hear more about the creative process behind the music! Really loving Zayn's new tunes, too - gorgeous, soulful sound with deep, heartfelt lyrics! Can't wait to hear the rest of the album!

[@HerRoyal_Awesomeness]

Such a deep song Zayn. Been on replay since

[@whendaegumetbusan4121]

I love this universe where Zayn is doing interviews, going on Stationhead and just getting out there. What a dream! ❤❤❤

[@Luis-dh9dx]

Zayn was really born to be an amazing artist

[@landyaaria2702]

This song needs to be aired in all of radio stations because of its honesty, raw, and truthful experiences that might be endured for many of listeners written by zayn only. Stream #alienated

[@Showup581]

I love this song.... The two songs he had released so far are magic

[@shaziakhan9798]

Beautiful man, beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics and beautiful Soul.❤ Simply BEAUTIFUL.

[@debbierabe1756]

This man is deep. Good for you Zayn. Always be true to yourself. Love ya.❤

[@gautamimeherkar]

You are doing amazing zayn! Although you deserve much more attention, i kinda feel happy that we all are this fanbase, not toooo big, no unnecessary people, just honest and loyal fans who understand your music truly♡

[@HaHalima-lw4oc]

So proud of ZAYN 💎👑

[@andreak.5996]

ZAYN! it's so good to see him talk about the music, this is what I was waiting for 🥰

[@sdw8680]

Zayns speaking & singing voice are really a blessing. And Alienated is such a special song, it makes you really excited for his new album out in May! 😊

[@sarahgintowt9823]

A very very gifted songwriter, brilliant musician and true to himself. Thank you Zayn, your true fans Adore you!❤❤❤

[@ezra8197]

Absolutely beautiful!! Thank you for letting us into your process and sharing your favorite bits of the song!!

[@Marw1e2k]

What a masterpiece ❤️🔥😍. His voice gives me nostalgia ngl 🥺

[@babez75]

It is indeed very special, beautiful and also powerful song cause it's very much relatable and brought out by Zayn's heavenly vocal in a way that we can deeply connect with the situation and the artist. Love, love every single beat, tune and lyric of this gem 💎

[@LucasSouza-jk1xp]

Zayn give me this Paolo Nutini's vibe with this new song

[@ewaoluwaakintemi3960]

Alienated has already become my favorite Zayn song,I can’t wait to hear the album ❤

[@befouritends]

Love this, just Zayn talking about his songs, the sound and inspiration

[@vamoncho]

Love it, it actually reminds me of Mac miller circles. The sound and even just how that was a new sound for Mac that seemed more grounded and personal

[@sunflower67942]

6 minutes well spent, just looking at Zayn, not always hearing clearly what he was saying.... Pure Bliss Oh and the song is beautiful...

[@candesophia]

this feels just like a dream! alienated is such a raw song and i definitely feel what he tried to express here

[@LG-qg7nu]

Amazing interview! Zayn is elite in every way.

[@nayanrai1248]

This will be his best Album for sure

[@misha-jz4yx]

just can't wait for the album. a whole mood like this for 10 songs

[@Keeper_ahwu]

I feel several years younger after watching you, because you are so beautiful,my flower boy🐾🪬🥔

[@Methequeen]

Zayn still thinking smoking is cool and Rolling Stone glamorizes it. Classic

[@Toy_In_Tub]

Zayn has always been one of the most relatable celebrities for me. When I was in junior year high school, I immediately realised what this person was going through when I really saw his body language which seemed too far similar. Have liked him for years before that and understood the decision he made but that was the moment I realised and perhaps understood even a little bit of what was going through his mind. I'm an adult now so I don't spend much time on either music or those who sing or make them but this song made me remember how it felt. Zayn is a genius when he pours those deep emotions out

[@WifeMomNurse777]

Alienated is so good ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ayingkonyak3208]

I just love love alienated ❤❤❤Im so proud of Zayn and always will be ❤❤❤

[@rayzina]

Love it. Wish you all success & happiness, Zayn.

[@pinkrebel8412]

Love Chris Stapleton. Oooh Zayn is giving me chills in his full self

[@1addition1subtraction]

His raw vocals are incredible!

[@khouloudkrifi]

I can watch him speak all day This is my favourite person on earth ❤

[@lewanai47]

Zayyyyyyn? What is this Behavior? OMGGGG thanks for the uninterrupted interviewwww!

[@NoahWilson-ql8tx]

Subscribed just for zyan..keep him coming

[@joyfro2953]

Thank you so much for interview ❤

[@CCONTHADL]

him being back is everything

[@hali_55]

I hope we get an acoustic version of the song, it’s so beautiful 🥹

[@jadefranke317]

I understand his direction & love the rawness in the new music releases. I do look forward to hearing the rest of the tracks!

[@nnajiugochukwu3810]

the best vocalist in one-direction, how he's not the biggest star of them all is crazzzyy (happy for all of them tho)

[@shelleykelly5630]

Perhaps because he didn’t promote and tour. Harry is the Entertainer💚 They all have their own fan groups, all successful.

[@nnajiugochukwu3810]

@@shelleykelly5630 you know what? you're right

[@michellel128]

So awesome your voice and feeling and i have both songs already 🎶🎶🎉🎉

[@marshasweigart8506]

He's a real Pennsylvanian when he just says PA.😁

[@abhikchowdhury4231]

Great song. Keep going on , we all stand for you of the rest of our life ♥️♥️

[@1dbestsongever]

IM OBSESSED WITH HIS NEW ERAAA

[@gzhdiamond2616]

One of the best voices of our time 🔥

[@chimakiso]

after so many years of bare minimun promo, it's still so weird seeing him do stuff like this lol i'm happy for him though and it's building up my excitement for the new album.

[@caitlyn6258]

I LOVE ZAYN ♥( a small fan in TAIWAN

[@machawlay2002]

Great songs so far and can’t wait for the new album!! ❤

[@maryambmalik]

ima keep coming back to this just to hear my mans voice x

[@igzisquad]

i so proud of him, cant wait to see him on stage again

[@horainnizamani3090]

IM SO PROUD OF HIM AAAA. 😭❤️❤️

[@blueheartss]

Zayn is a true musician just the way he talks about his music

[@leeyahnoh4333]

I'm so excited for this album!! Zayn, like many others, is a layered individual and I am looking forward to hearing him peel back some of that !

[@Kathydestiny22]

Wonderful interview!! #Alienated is such a beautiful song. Can’t wait for the album! ❤️

[@lunaalkhatib16]

My heart kept beating faster and faster 😭❤️

[@Sarah-fi9fv]

HIS VOCALS WOWWW

[@dawnbell6500]

Zaynie is so proud of his work! 🥹🥹🥹🥹it’s absolutely beautiful! Mega proud of him putting himself out there. It’s all I ever wanted for him. 🖤🖤🖤

[@gracemoore3759]

Im gonna need a full version with those raw vocals

[@sambebbington6670]

love it can't stop lisning to your music

[@kateravalia6203]

Hearing Zayn talk so openly and passionately about his music with no irrelevant questions is truly special. Thanks RS!

[@cuteasabutton4871]

Zayn ily sooo much thanks for everything. Ur the best and no worries we got you on every step❤❤❤

[@angelsmile394]

That Raw voice is cool

[@user-ok6ts2lr1r]

Zayn you am.a great person love you even in One Direction and still love you now. Hope one day I get to see you.

[@jane0525_]

I'm so proud of him ❤