Multiplatinum-selling artist, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist ZAYN has dropped his soul-stirring new single, “What I Am.” This track serves as the inaugural glimpse into his eagerly awaited fourth studio album, “Room Under the Stairs,” scheduled for release on May 17, 2024, via Mercury Records/Universal Music Canada.
Over the past six years, ZAYN has meticulously crafted “Room Under the Stairs” at his home studio in rural Pennsylvania. This album represents his most intimate offering to date, encapsulating his current life stage while delving into themes of healing, tranquility, and evolution. It also showcases the artist’s exploration of a fresh sonic landscape, embracing his soulful vocals, live instrumentation, and poetic songwriting.
Reflecting on “Room Under the Stairs,” ZAYN shares, “This is my favorite album that I’ve made to date, mainly because it comes from a place of sheer honesty and vulnerability. I wanted each song to feel as if it was just me sitting beside you telling you how I feel, singing directly to you. It’s raw and stripped back and the type of music I always hoped to make.”
He adds, “Working with Dave Cobb has been an amazing experience. The way he’s elevated the music is second to none, and he has done an incredible job helping me create this record. I hope we can take listeners on some whimsical, magical journey, and that they enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.”
“Room Under the Stairs” was co-produced by ZAYN and acclaimed producer Dave Cobb (known for his work with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, “A Star Is Born,” Brandi Carlile), a partnership sparked by Cobb’s admiration for the raw authenticity of ZAYN’s compositions. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Cobb expressed, “ZAYN’s voice resonates with love, loss, pain, triumph, and humanity. With this record, he has forged his own universe, fearlessly speaking from the depths of his soul.”
Ahead of the album launch, ZAYN made a surprise appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to offer a sneak peek of the single and engaged in an interview on Hot Ones, igniting excitement among fans eager to experience ZAYN’s most personal musical endeavor yet.
Coinciding with today’s pre-order launch, fans can secure two special vinyl editions: a signed “Studio Edition” featuring exclusive cover art and a limited-edition colored vinyl, along with two CDs—one signed and both accompanied by special booklets containing lyrics.
