"Let's do it all over again, ey?": Ex One Direction member Niall Horan teases new music for the first time since Liam Payne's death

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Ex- One Direction member Niall Horan teases new music first-time since Liam Payne's death (Image via Getty)

Niall Horan returns to the recording studio, creating new music. It is the first project he has announced since the passing of his fellow One Direction member, Liam Payne. In March 2025, Niall announced that he is writing his fourth solo album.

The album is provisionally titled NH4. Although there is no official release date, Niall posted some behind-the-scenes pictures of a writing and recording session on Instagram. Songwriter Julian Bunetta, who collaborated with One Direction previously, is also on board. Niall's return to music follows a long time spent grieving.

In October 2024, Liam Payne died after he fell off a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. The announcement left fans across the globe in shock, and all previous members of One Direction shared heartfelt tributes. While addressing his fans directly on TikTok, Niall Horan posted a heartwarming message of thanks and a surprise revelation. He started by stating that he hoped the fans had not forgotten about him and thanked fans for their support of the fifth anniversary re-release of his 2020 album Heartbreak Weather, saying,

"I just wanted to say a massive thanks for everything that you've done on the fifth anniversary re-release of Heartbreak Weather. The album needed its day in the sun again, so we have to give it to it."

Following this, Niall gave fans a glimpse into his current creative process. With his recording studio in the background, he revealed,

"You'll be happy to know that this is where I am now. I'm in the studio, I'm making an album at the moment."

He added that although there's no release date yet, he's fully focused on delivering something special:

"I don't know when it's going to be out, but I'm trying my best to get it done as quick as I can, and to get some new music for you. You deserve it after what you did last year. It was incredible. Let's do it all over again, ey?"

Why is this new album a milestone for Niall Horan?

Since his third album was released in June 2023, it has been nearly two years since he last put out new music. More significantly, this album also marks Niall Horan’s first big step forward after Liam’s passing. More than being just about the music, it could also be a way for Niall to cope with the loss of a close friend and former bandmate.

Niall has always been open with his fans. He often uses music to express how he feels. That makes this new album feel even more personal. The project could show a different side of him, one shaped by recent events.

The title NH4 follows the style of his past solo albums. It stands for "Niall Horan 4." This shows that while he is moving forward, he is keeping things simple and staying true to his artistry.

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What do we know about the music so far?

Niall Horan has not released any songs from the new album yet. But the photos he shared show him working in the studio. He looked focused, and the setting seemed calm. These small details hint at a serious approach to the project.

One key part of the album is the return of Julian Bunetta. He helped write many of One Direction’s biggest hits. This may mean the album will carry some of the same musical style as the band’s earlier work.

The songwriter also worked with pop star Sabrina Carpenter on hits like Nonsense, Taste, and Espresso. Therefore, the album could also feature a mix of pop and acoustic sounds.

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How did Niall Horan honor Liam’s memory?

After Liam’s death, Niall Horan posted a heartfelt message on social media. He called Liam a “brother” and said he was heartbroken. He also mentioned how they had a chance to live out their dreams and build a bond for life. Niall ended by sending his regards to Payne's family. Fans all over the world reacted to the post, showing how loved Liam was by both his bandmates and the public.

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Niall Horan is taking big steps forward. He is working on new music again in his upcoming album, NH4. Besides making new music, Niall has also looked back. He recently re-released his 2020 album Heartbreak Weather with bonus tracks. He also put out a deluxe vinyl version of his live album, The Show: Live on Tour.

While the release date is unknown, this new chapter will be important. It looks like Niall is finding his voice again and is eager to share it with the world.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew