Harry Styles was just sixteen years old when his life changed forever through an X Factor audition, catapulting him to global fame as a member of the phenomenally successful boyband One Direction. From those dizzying teenage years as a heartthrob alongside bandmates Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne, Styles has navigated an extraordinary journey into a massively successful solo career. Now, as he prepares to release his fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, on March 6, the Grammy-winning artist has opened up about the transformative three-year hiatus he took to simply live a more human experience.
The Decision to Step Back
In 2023, following the monumental conclusion of his Love On Tour – a staggering 173-show global spectacle that included historic 15-night runs at Madison Square Garden and sold over five million tickets – Harry Styles made a conscious choice to pause. While many young adults take gap years before launching careers, Styles did the reverse, embarking on a three-year break as he entered his thirties. Describing this period as his 'yes' era, the singer from Holmes Chapel in Cheshire deliberately stepped away from the spotlight to travel, reconnect with friends, and enjoy life from the audience's perspective rather than the stage.
A Life of Extraordinary Achievement
Before his hiatus, Styles had already compiled a career most artists could only dream of. With One Direction, he achieved five Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, over three billion YouTube views, and approximately 50 million records sold worldwide, with the band's estimated worth reaching an incredible $130 million. His solo career launched spectacularly after the group's 2016 split, with his self-titled debut album producing the chart-topping single Sign Of The Times and earning him a Brit Award. His second album, Fine Line (2019), featuring global hits like Watermelon Sugar and Golden, secured his first solo Grammy. The critically acclaimed Harry's House (2022) then won Album of the Year at both the MTV VMAs and the Grammys, cementing his status as a premier pop artist.
Embracing the 'Yes Era' Philosophy
During his time away, Styles adopted a philosophy of openness and acceptance. 'I did a lot of traveling just for fun which was really nice,' he explained in recent interviews. 'I think because I'd been touring for a lot of my life, I'd got really used to missing a lot of things with friends. I'd got really used to saying no to things because I just wasn't able to go. Last year I just had a real start of the year where I was like "I'm going to say yes to everything this year."' This mindset led him to unexpected adventures across Europe, including running the Berlin and Tokyo marathons, attending Glastonbury as a festival-goer, and even making a low-key appearance at the Pope's conclave in Rome.
Rediscovering Normalcy and Human Connection
Away from the sequined jumpsuits and screaming crowds, Styles embraced remarkably ordinary activities. Frequently spotted riding Lime Bikes around London, visiting local coffee shops, and simply exploring the city on foot, he reconnected with everyday experiences. 'It's been so wonderful for me and it's something that is really important to me to stay in the universe,' he reflected. 'Especially if you're trying to write and make music about ultimately the human experience. It's hard if you're not living a very human experience.' This return to normality proved creatively vital, directly inspiring his upcoming album as he rediscovered the joy of being part of an audience at live music events.
Romantic Chapters During the Hiatus
Styles's personal life saw several significant relationships unfold during his break from the spotlight. Following a high-profile romance with director Olivia Wilde that began in early 2021 on the set of her film Don't Worry Darling and ended amicably in 2022, he was linked to model Emily Ratajkowski in March 2023 after they were photographed sharing a passionate kiss in Tokyo. Later that year, he began a fourteen-month relationship with actress Taylor Russell, with sources suggesting Styles was 'ready to start a family' before their split in May 2024. Summer 2024 brought brief dalliances, including a burger date with singer Olivia Dean and a much-publicised kiss with producer Ella Kenny in the VIP area at Glastonbury. Most recently, he appears to have found lasting love with actress Zoe Kravitz, with the couple first spotted holding hands in August 2024 and spending Christmas together in Styles's hometown.
The Creative Reawakening
Beyond personal growth, Styles's hiatus served as a profound creative reset. 'Being with people and being on the other side of the audience experience than I'm used to being on has been the most important thing for me,' he revealed. 'It's been a massive reminder of how special it is to be in a crowd experiencing live music. It's been a really beautiful reminder that at shows, whether I'm on stage or off the stage, we're all here for the same thing.' This renewed perspective directly influenced Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, which Styles describes as almost 'a life mantra' – representing moving through life with love while taking breaks to have fun.
Returning Refreshed and Inspired
As Harry Styles returns to public life ahead of his new album release, he does so with renewed perspective and appreciation for balance. Now thirty-two, the artist who once lived ten lifetimes in his twenties has emerged from his hiatus fundamentally changed. 'That's what I felt like I did the last couple years and it led to positive changes in my life,' he stated, summarising his transformative break. From global superstar to ordinary London cyclist, from stage performer to festival attendee, Styles's deliberate step back has ultimately prepared him for an exciting new chapter, both personally and professionally, with wisdom gained from truly living the human experience.
