Zayn Releases New Song ‘Break Free’ for Borderlands 4 Soundtrack

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Zayn is back with new music, and while it isn’t part of a new album this time around, the singer says his latest release is just as personal.

The British singer-songwriter has teamed up with 2K and Gearbox Software on the release of “Break Free,” an original song that Zayn recorded for “Borderlands 4,” the latest entry in the iconic first-person video game franchise.

Due out September 19, the song was inspired by the new setting and “expressive action” of “Borderlands 4,” per a release. The game introduces players to the all-new planet, Kairos, along with four new Vault Hunters, as they fight through foes and obstacles to retrieve a secret treasure. Each Vault Hunter possesses unique abilities that “introduce even more ways to crush, bash, and destroy enemies,” the release notes, especially when combined with “literally billions of weapons.”

While Zayn has largely stayed out of the spotlight when he’s not promoting his own music, the “Dusk Till Dawn” singer says he jumped at the opportunity to soundtrack one of his favorite past times.

“When I’m not working or with my daughter, my usual place is in front of the console, gaming with my friends back home in the UK,” he tells Variety. “I’ve played “Borderlands” before, so when I was asked to collaborate on the music, it was a no brainer.”

While the game was released September 12 on PlayStation and Xbox (it’s due out October 3 on Nintendo Switch 2), fans will have to wait another week before hearing Zayn’s song, and the singer isn’t revealing much about “Break Free” except that it was “fun to experiment with new sounds.”

Zayn’s last album was 2024’s well-received “Room Under the Stairs,” which was recorded at his home studio in rural Pennsylvania and introduced a more cozy, stripped-down sound. But the singer says that working on a video game song took him out of his comfort zone, which is exactly the challenge he was looking for. “The cool thing about working on collaborative projects for me is the fact that it’s not always in my ball park creatively,” he shares. “I get to venture into new places sonically and emotionally as I feel like it doesn’t have to be a direct correlation to what I’m working on with my album.”

Fans may get a little preview of “Break Free” tonight, when Zayn goes live on his Twitch channel to play a little “Borderlands 4” and talk about his collaboration. The livestream is set to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

Zayn says gaming has provided plenty of memories for him over the years, dating back to when he was just a child, growing up in Northern England. “I’ve been an avid gamer as far back as I can remember,” he says, adding that, “the first console I ever had was a Super Nintendo that my parents got me for my third birthday, so that’s 29 years in the game.”

As for what he likes about the new “Borderlands” release: “I love the art direction,” he offers. “It’s very vivid and expressive and feels very anime. It’s also a narrative game which feels more and more like a rarity these days.”

“Break Free” could be the only new music we get from Zayn this year; the singer hasn’t announced a follow up to “Room Under the Stairs,” and the notoriously stage-shy performer has no other public appearances scheduled for 2025 (he did complete a sold-out UK and North American tour in March). While he teases that he’s “always working on new projects,” the 32-year-old appears content for now to spend time with his soon-to-be five-year-old daughter Khai, and perfecting his other loves: “cooking and barbecuing.”

Zayn dutifully notes that he’s “always gaming” when he finds any free time, and 2K confirms the artist “has long been a fan of the ‘Borderlands’ franchise.” As for what other entertainment he consumes? “I watch a lot of cartoons,” Zayn admits. “Adult Swim is always on. I did watch the new show “MobLand” recently,” he adds: “I’d definitely recommend it.”

2K and Gamebox are no doubt hoping the collaboration with Zayn will bring new fans to the fold, or have longtime fans recommending “Borderlands” to others. Calling it the “biggest ‘Borderlands’ world ever,’ “Borderlands 4” will be released in a Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition and Super Deluxe Edition. Zayn’s original song, “Break Free,” meantime, is set to be released next week with an accompanying music video.

It’s been 15 years since Zayn burst onto the entertainment scene as part of One Direction, and whether he’s recording new music, parenting, or gaming, Zayn says he’s appreciative of every opportunity that continues to come his way. And, he’s finally learning to soak it all in. “At this stage in life, my main prerogative is to be as present as possible in all endeavors,” he says. “Time goes fast.”