Pop star Harry Styles, from the hit British boy band One Direction, tells VOA’s Larry London that everything the group does is “for the fans.”
Larry’s interview with Styles, which airs on the July 4th edition of Border Crossings, touches on the band’s amazing success, which includes debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, and comparisons with the Beatles.
“We’re normal lads and to have all of this happening is absolutely crazy” Styles says about the band’s rapid success. Styles spoke with Larry on behalf of the group’s other members, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson. They were in DC for a performance at the Patriot Center.
One Direction rocketed to fame last year with their debut single “What Makes You Beautiful.” They’re touring the U.S. this summer promoting their freshman album “Up All Night.”
Styles, who spoke with Larry before a series of tabloid stories about his private life, was asked about rumors of a musical collaboration with Justin Bieber. “I’m not sure. I don’t think so,” he told Larry. “We want to focus on our stuff and get it all right,” Styles said.
Given the British band’s success, it wasn’t long before comparisons with the Beatles began. However, Styles explains that, although the band is flattered by the comparison, “If you base your career on trying to achieve someone else’s goals, it is the wrong way to do it. We like to achieve things ourselves. We kind of find it a bit ridiculous because the Beatles are such an icon,” he said.
Styles says there is one thing the group was recently impressed by: “We’re playing a show at Madison Square Garden on December 3rd and when that sold out we were absolutely over the moon.” Despite the sold out concerts, he says the band is devoted to its fans. “We do completely owe everything to the fans. Absolutely, 100%, everything we do is for the fans,” reflects Styles.
The 18 year old Styles says a new album is in the works and the band will stay true to the sound that brought them much success.
Larry’s interview with Styles, which airs on the July 4th edition of Border Crossings, touches on the band’s amazing success, which includes debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, and comparisons with the Beatles.
“We’re normal lads and to have all of this happening is absolutely crazy” Styles says about the band’s rapid success. Styles spoke with Larry on behalf of the group’s other members, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson. They were in DC for a performance at the Patriot Center.
One Direction rocketed to fame last year with their debut single “What Makes You Beautiful.” They’re touring the U.S. this summer promoting their freshman album “Up All Night.”
Styles, who spoke with Larry before a series of tabloid stories about his private life, was asked about rumors of a musical collaboration with Justin Bieber. “I’m not sure. I don’t think so,” he told Larry. “We want to focus on our stuff and get it all right,” Styles said.
Given the British band’s success, it wasn’t long before comparisons with the Beatles began. However, Styles explains that, although the band is flattered by the comparison, “If you base your career on trying to achieve someone else’s goals, it is the wrong way to do it. We like to achieve things ourselves. We kind of find it a bit ridiculous because the Beatles are such an icon,” he said.
Styles says there is one thing the group was recently impressed by: “We’re playing a show at Madison Square Garden on December 3rd and when that sold out we were absolutely over the moon.” Despite the sold out concerts, he says the band is devoted to its fans. “We do completely owe everything to the fans. Absolutely, 100%, everything we do is for the fans,” reflects Styles.
The 18 year old Styles says a new album is in the works and the band will stay true to the sound that brought them much success.