Louis Tomlinson credits Zara McDermott for inspiring new music era

Louis Tomlinson revealed his girlfriend Zara McDermott was the muse behind his new music era.

The English singer-songwriter, who is set to release his third solo album How Did I Get Here? on January 23, 2026, shared that his new love interest has been an inspiration behind his upcoming songs.

"I’m a deeply, deeply romantic person," he began to explain. "It’s also easy to be romantic when you are a creative. I really struggle to write in a fictional sense. For me, I have to have been living it; it has to be real to me."

Tomlinson, who has been in a relationship with the UK reality star since March, reflected on his writing process, emphasising that authenticity is essential to his music. 

The Perfect singer admitted that he can’t fake emotion in his songwriting and only works from genuine feelings.

"So, if I wasn’t feeling so good—like right now, I wasn’t feeling so in love—the record probably would have a slightly different feel to it," he continued, adding that the new record reflects a happier chapter in his life "My intention is just to maybe feel good."

"Some of my other music was honest, it was painful at times, but it didn’t feel good. Now I’ve got this almost new sense of life, a new sense of happiness, purpose, and fulfilment," the Story of My Life hitmaker spilled the beans.

Tomlinson and McDermott made their relationship Instagram-official in August 2025, sharing a photo of themselves kissing. Since then, the couple hasn’t shied away from showing affection for each other in public.