By Lexie Kauffman ‘22
Louis Tomlinson has been involved in the music industry since age eighteen, when he was placed in the world-famous boyband One Direction. The band split and went on an indefinite hiatus in 2015 to allow all four current members to explore solo opportunities. Tomlinson had released a few singles over the four years leading to his debut album “Walls,” which released on January 31, 2020. One year after the release, in early February, his fans wanted to celebrate their beloved singer.
It started as a fan project on social media platforms. Different creators and fanpages spread the news, telling fans to stream Tomlinson’s song “Defenceless” as often as they could. Their communication and dedication paid off as the song topped charts worldwide, over a year after its initial release.
Fans did not stop after the charts were topped. They loyally continued to trend Tomlinson’s lyrics wherever they could, starting trends on Twitter and raising his YouTube views. The comments under the “Defenceless” lyric video are now filled with fans professing their love for his music as well as new listeners discovering his solo music for the first time.
Tomlinson quickly caught onto the trend as his song rose on the charts across the world.
“I see what you’re doing with defenceless! You are all incredible!” Tomlinson tweeted on February 4, 2021 when the fan project had only just begun. Tomlinson proceeded to interact with his fans on Twitter, answering questions, hinting at a second album, and reacting when the song hit number one.
“#1 on the worldwide iTunes chart and it’s an album track, crazy! Never have enough words to thank you all for everything you do!”
The fans continued to stream the songs for days until it naturally fell again on the charts. Tomlinson tweeted on February 15, 2021 to express his thanks again.
“Just wanted to acknowledge everyone who has helped with Defenceless. These moments make me immensely proud and reinforces that with your support, we’re unstoppable.” Fans will have to wait and see what Tomlinson has in store.
Tomlinson’s solo music as well as One Direction’s music is available on all music streaming platforms.