This is really old. It's from his FADER interview.
I mean, they have a lot of creative control but I do understand why he may have felt held back since he wanted to create
very left field music - I mean, his new sound will be R&B influenced by Bollywood music and such, so clearly not the niche that the band is aiming for. One Direction are not a groundbreaking band, but they are incredibly brilliant at doing what they do and anyone denying that they have progressed artistically is ignorant to their music.
I'm glad Zayn now has full creative control and I'm excited to see what he comes up with.