Zayn Malik and Interstellar

Today I wanted to give a shout out to an artist who is both very famous and very underground. Most people know him as Zayn Malik, that guy who was in One Direction but left the band. So a little background, Zayn Malik was one of the five members of the famous boy band, One Direction. His departure from the band was all over the news last year, and I wont' lie, I felt bad for him. Not because he left the band, but because of what that meant for him in the public eye. It marked him as a huge target for papparzi and press, and I just feel so bad for him because he had to live in that public eye for so long. Which is one of the reasons why he wanted to leave. To live his life more quietly. So that of course, is a consequence of his level of fame. But on the other hand, we have his more quiet and surprising side. Zayn Malik is due to release his debut solo album this year, and I have to say, I am very excited! His voice is one that is meant for R&B and soul, for hitting those more emotional songs or those really nice slow jams. So of course, I am desperately hoping this is one of those really nice, Frank Ocean type albums. It is undeniable that the guy has talent. Hitting all those really high notes, a flawless falsetto, and a damn good sense of style. So that is why today's song is focused on Zayn Malik, the up and coming solo artist.  This is a more soulful and acoustic song, one that really allows Zayn Malik's voice to shine. With this song, we get to hear and feel the emotions he pours into each and every note. I have said this many times before, but there is a beauty in the simplicity of the song. This is a song that is not only well sung, but very well done. Of course, we get to hear a more stripped down and raw side of Zayn Malik's voice, but the background support is also just as incredible. The song starts out with a nice guitar strum, something that keeps through the entire song. Actually, for most of the song, all we hear is Zayn Malik's raspy voice and the strumming guitar. But as we progress further into the song, we hear faded layers of harmonies in the background. It gives the song a slightly magical and ethereal feel to it. But I really like that. It puts you in this place where you are grounded in the present moment, but still lets your mind wander to the past, reminiscing those good times. That's the enchanting thing about this song. It acknowledges the highs of being together and lows of being apart, all within 3 minutes. But then we get to the end part that adds in a steady bass drum beat. Like footsteps walking forward. Not necessarily knowing where, no destination in mind. But still moving forward. And that, my friends, is the power of production. It has the ability to convey the meaning of the song through lyrics, vocals, and the instrumentals. Those minor additions are often the most important. They complete the visual images, making everything perfectly click. Now Zayn Malik's voice in this song has this wonderful rasp to it, but also gently caresses, moving with the steady and quiet babbling of the brook that is the instrumental background. I have to say, as a preview to his debut album, I am very impressed. I have total faith in it's wonderfulness! Today's instrumental song is from the movie Interstellar. It is one that I have yet to see, but I hear it is one of those movies that leaves you in complete awe. This is a very beautiful piece, relying mainly on the piano. But there is a quiet enchantment to the song, the charm of a harp and the emotions of a piano. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!