Harry Styles dropped in to the BBC studios in London ahead of the world exclusive premiere of his debut solo single “Sign of the Times” (Columbia), which will air Friday on Nick Grimshaw’s Radio 1 Breakfast Show. The former 1D star chatted about his new music, and fellow Brits Adele, Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.

The episode starts at 8am GMT Friday after the single drops. Styles finished writing the album with Jeff Bhasker in December, most of which was done in Jamaica. 

“In the least weird way possible, it’s my favourite album to listen to at the moment,” he said. “I think if you put out something that you don’t stand behind and really love, if it doesn’t go well then you could regret not doing what you wanted to do. 

“Whereas if nothing happens with it, I [still] love it. My favourite part to the overall thing is listening to the album and making all the changes – it has been fun to watch over it all.” Expect to hear nods to the music he listened to while growing up—Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, Norah Jones and Savage Garden. 

Styles praised “amazing” Adele for leading by example, Coldplay man Chris Martin for offering self-care tips and Sheeran for being “one of the most talented dudes I know.”  Will the single immediately rocket up the charts? Stay tuned.