Zayn Reflects on Past Intimacy on R&B-Inspired Single ‘Sideways’

Zayn shared a new single, “Sideways.” The intimate R&B number is the latest offering from the musician’s forthcoming album, Konnakol, out April 17 via Mercury Records.

The track sees Zayn reflecting on a lost romance. “I miss lookin’ at you sideways/ face-to-face with your lips on mine,” he croons. “And our legs on the pillowcase/ sideways, late at night with your love lying next to mine.”

 Konnakol follows the 2024 release of Room Under the Stairs, the stripped-back record Zayn created with collaborator Dave Cobb. Zayn released the album’s emotive lead single, “Die for Me,” last month. The LP was co-produced by Zayn alongside Malay, who he previously worked with on Mind of Mine and Icarus Falls.

“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,” Zayn said in a statement. “I have always drawn on my heritage for inspiration since I first started making my own music, this album is a development of that understanding, knowing more now than ever, who I am, where I come from and where I intend to go.”

Zayn will embark on the Konnakol Tour in support of the album. The global 31-date tour kicks off on May 12 in Manchester, England, at AO Arena before heading to cities like London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and São Paulo. It wraps on Nov. 20 in Miami at Kaseya Center. 

The singer is one of several One Direction members to release new music this year. In January, Louis Tomlinson shared his latest LP, How Did I Get Here?, which features single “Imposter.” Harry Styles released his new solo album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, earlier this month and appeared on Saturday Night Live to support the LP.