One Direction reveal the truth behind their solo songwriting sessions ahead of world tour

RUMOURS of solo records have swirled since Harry Styles was revealed to be writing songs with John Legend – now the 1D lads set the record straight.

One Direction, supplied by Sony

ALMOST a millisecond after One Direction kicked off world domination with their debut single What Makes You Beautiful, pundits began the countdown to their inevitable solo careers.

While their post X Factor contract demands five albums from Britain’s richest boy band, that isn't going to happen.

But speculation that there will be solo albums is given fuel each time Harry Or Louis or Zayn or Niall or Liam post an Instagram of themselves working with famous songwriters or are papped walking into a Los Angeles or London recording studio.

Yet the question remains. Are all these songs written before they headed out on their third world tour for the next One Direction album which will be released before the end of the year?

Harry Styles and Liam Payne addressed each rumoured and actual collaboration during our recent chat in Chile.

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Working on solo music ... One Direction. Picture: Sony

Emelie Sande: “Not on our album but Zayn has worked with her in the studio,” Harry said.

Pharrell Williams: “I’m not really sure yet ... I’m gonna go and see him. For him it’s hard because our sound is so left field for him. He’s a wonderful guy, I’ve spent a couple of days with him and he’s ace,” Liam said.

John Legend: “I did some writing but it was for ... it wasn’t for ... yeah, we did it just to write together,” Harry said.

The Madden Brothers: “Once again, we did some writing with them (just for the sake of writing) ... they are such good lads. They are literally so funny. We were in LA in the studio with them for a couple of days and did a couple of songs. I haven’t heard anything

back yet though so we will see.”

Global hit ... Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan of One Direction. Picture: Kevin Winter

Niall Horan continues his regular writing sessions with the McFly team. He said the new songs the five lads were sharing with each other would make for an “edgier” album.

“Ninety per cent of the (writing) sessions you go to are for One Direction songs,” he said.

“At the start of the last album, we said the same thing, let’s edge it up with heavier drums, heavier guitars.

“Last week when we were doing rehearsals, we were throwing tracks we had written back and forth to each other. Our manager turned around and said you can tell who listens to what and while we all have different tastes, they all seem to come together in a song to make a One Direction song.”

See One Direction at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on February 7, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on February 11, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on February 14, AAMi Stadium, Adelaide on February 17 and Patersons Stadium in Perth on February 20.

Telstra customers will have access to a 48 hour pre-sale from 12pm on May 29, with general tickets will be available from 4pm on May 31.

Originally published as One Direction reveal the truth behind their solo songwriting sessions ahead of world tour