Harry Styles's Quotes in Variety's Hitmakers 2020 Issue
Harry Styles Wants to Do the Right Thing: "I Don't Think I've Been Outspoken Enough in the Past"
After the critical and public reception of Harry Styles's Fine Line, it's no wonder he was tapped to be Variety's "Hitmaker of the Year." From the success of "Watermelon Sugar" and the stunning visuals of the "Golden" music video to his casting in Don't Worry Darling, Harry has had a banner 2020, which he discussed as part of his Variety Hitmakers issue cover story. The 26-year-old isn't shy about how he's found time for himself this year while making sure to also become more outspoken about things that matter to him, like making sure "the right things are still being done and the right people are getting the right opportunities." Ahead, you can read some of his best quotes from the interview, including those about race and the music industry, his time in One Direction, and his music-making process.
![On his 2017 solo debut album, Harry Styles: "I love that album so much because it represents such a time in my life, but when I listen to it — sonically and lyrically, especially — I can hear places where I was playing it safe. I was scared to get it wrong."
On his hope for the future of live music: "There will be a time we dance again."
On how he makes music: "People within [the industry] feel like they operate on a higher level of listening, and I like to make music from the point of being a fan of music. Fans are the best A&R."
On being recognized both critically and with Grammy nominations: "It's always nice to know that people like what you're doing, but ultimately — and especially working in a subjective field — I don't put too much weight on that stuff. I think it's important when making any kind of art to remove the ego from it." Citing the painter Matisse, he added: "It's about the work that you do when you're not expecting any applause."](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/7zPX5PRcpX1k8Zws8dwytst-58I/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2020/12/02/888/n/1922398/144ca117e7c247a0_Harry_Styles_Variety_2/i/On-his-2017-solo-debut-album-Harry-Styles-I-love-that-album-so.jpg "On his 2017 solo debut album, Harry Styles: \"I love that album so much because it represents such a time in my life, but when I listen to it — sonically and lyrically, especially — I can hear places where I was playing it safe. I was scared to get it wrong.\"
On his hope for the future of live music: \"There will be a time we dance again.\"
On how he makes music: \"People within [the industry] feel like they operate on a higher level of listening, and I like to make music from the point of being a fan of music. Fans are the best A&R.\"
On being recognized both critically and with Grammy nominations: \"It's always nice to know that people like what you're doing, but ultimately — and especially working in a subjective field — I don't put too much weight on that stuff. I think it's important when making any kind of art to remove the ego from it.\" Citing the painter Matisse, he added: \"It's about the work that you do when you're not expecting any applause.\"")
