Zayn Malik is back!
The former One Direction star has sent his fans on an emotional rollercoaster ride, first by removing all posts from his Instagram account, then posting a brief teaser hinting something new is on the way. The eight-second clip shows Malik in motorcycle gear, revving his bike - perhaps signaling he is ready to kickstart his career after a two-year absence.
After leaving RCA Records, Malik has re-emerged with a new deal, signing to Mercury Records. The label's president Tyler Arnold confirmed the signing to Billboard. "As soon as ZAYN and I met, I knew we had to work together," he said. "I was blown away by the new music, but just as impressed by his vision, drive and spirit. We’re honored he and his team have joined us at Mercury Records. We’ve got an incredible opportunity to tell the next chapter of his story together.”
Mercury added that new music will be out “very soon this summer,” while sources close to Billboard revealed that the new music will mark a major departure from the hits like "Pillow Talk," "I Don't Wanna Live Forever," and "Dusk Till Dawn" that established him as a solo artist. Earlier this month, Malik posted a photo from the studio on social media and wrote in his bio that he was currently working on his fourth studio album.
This announcement follows news from earlier this year that Malik had also signed with UTA (United Talent Agency) for representation across music, film and television, suggesting any number of projects could be forthcoming.