Electronic
Harry Styles opens up about fame, isolation and the nightlife that shaped his new album
Harry Styles reflects on the isolating pressures of fame, his search for purpose on tour, and the Berlin club culture that helped shape the sound and spirit of his upcoming album.
Harry Styles has reflected on the pressures of global stardom, the loneliness that came with it, and the unexpected club‑scene inspiration behind his next musical chapter.
Ahead of the release of his new solo album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, the Aperture hitmaker has candidly admitted he has often questioned his purpose while touring.
Speaking to the new issue of Runner’s World UK, the 32-year-old singer said: “Something I’ve often struggled with, in the middle of a tour, is feeling like I’m not sure what I’m giving, not sure what I’m adding to the world. Especially when the reward system and the kind of… adulation that you can receive feels so loud. Like clearly I’m getting so much from this, I’m getting all this energy. People are giving me so much, which I deeply appreciate. But what am I contributing? At times I felt quite existential about that.”
Harry also revealed how fame gradually pushed him into isolation as he became more protective of his personal life.
He explained: “Over the years, I had to say no to everything I was invited to, whether it was a friend’s birthday, a trip somewhere amazing, an opening.
“I started to wonder if I was saying no because I really was so busy or because it was more comfortable than saying yes. When you close yourself off to protect yourself from people who might bring negativity into your life, you’re also missing out on positive experiences.”
The star went on to share how Berlin’s electronic music scene helped shape the sound and spirit of his upcoming album.
He recalled being struck by the sense of unity and individuality on the dance floor:
Harry shared: “Good electronic music is so good, you know — especially the melodic aspect. When you’re out at night, it’s such a community, but you’re also watching people have such individual experiences… I wanted to recreate [what] I had on the dance floor, being lost in instrumentation and the musicality. It was so immersive, like, this is how I want to feel when I’m on stage too. I don’t want it to feel like a sermon I’m delivering. I wanted it to feel like, oh, we’re in this music together. Like I’m in it with you.”
The interview is on the Runner’s World UK website now and in the May issue, on sale April 1.
