Zayn takes the cover of Dazed magazine’s Summer 2016 issue, which hits newsstands on Thursday (June 16).

Here’s what the 23-year-old “Pillowtalk” singer had to share with the mag:

On getting Taylor Swift’s approval on his album Mind of Mine: “At Gigi [Hadid]’s house we briefly spoke and she told me she really enjoyed the album. It was nice to get some feedback. She said she thought I was cool and I kind of blushed a bit and didn’t know how to take it.”

On leaving One Direction: “I know that musicians are seen as one-sided people a lot of the time, but we do have other elements to us as well. I didn’t feel good. Do you know what I mean?… You need to be able to express what it is that you are. I’m free at last.”

On his love of writing: “I have always liked language and the way you can say a certain thing in a certain way and it can be perceived so differently by whoever is listening, because of whatever time they are at in their life.”

• Photohoots

You can read the statement below:

• News & Rumors

Zayn and Gigi were spotted leaving her apartment in New York City on Friday (June 10).

• Candids

Zayn attends the 7th Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala at Skylight at Moynihan Station on June 9, 2016 in New York City.

• Events

Zayn was spotted on a hike in Malibu with a group of friends and outside his hous in Bel Air few days ago.

• Candids

Zayn makes a special appearance on the season ten finale of The Voice on Tuesday (May 24) in Los Angeles.

• Photohoots

Zayn did his best in the street on Friday, during a photoshoot in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

• Candids