Perrie Exclusive: Tears, tours and album titles

Perrie's wasting no time establishing herself as a solo artist. After ruling the airwaves and earning her first-ever Official Top 10 single with Forget About Us just two months ago, the Little Mix star's ready to deliver her second solo offering, Tears.

A smooth, '80s-tinged break-up anthem produced by Ido Zmishlany (Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter) and written by Feli Ferraro (BTS, Jonas Brothers), Tears sees Perrie break new ground sonically as she sends some strong parting words to an ex.

And obviously, ahead of the single's release this Friday June 21, we just had to catch up with Pez for a chinwag all about it.

MORE: Perrie reacts to first-ever solo Top 10 Forget About Us

Perrie, congrats on the release of Tears! How did this song come to be?

Tears actually came right at the start. I went to LA for two weeks to do a writing camp and, at the time, I didn't know what my sound was or who I was as a solo artist.

I heard Tears because the head of my label sent it to me. It was by Ido [Zmishlany], a producer in America and Feli [Ferraro], who's an incredible songwriter, and I just fell in love with the song. I loved the vibe of it. It felt really nostalgic and old school. Then, I went back to London and I wrote sisters for it on the album. It really inspired my album.

This track shows a totally different side to you, too...

Yeah, I feel like it's really different to Forget About Us, which I like. So sonically, it's completely different. 

I've had this song for a long time, I've had it for like a year and a half, and I'm just so excited to get it out. I think it's super catchy as well, and I just love the concept.

How important was it for you to explore your eclectic influences on the album?

Well, I grew up with two singers. My parents are singers, and I've just always loved music from a really young age.

My dad's been in a rock band for years, so I've always been influenced by rock, pop and Motown, or the divas and the big vocals.

It's always been a huge part of my life. So, when I started writing my album, I just wanted to squeeze in as many genres as possible, because music just makes me so happy. It felt good to experiment.

MORE: See where every Little Mix song and album has charted in the UK

On the topic of tears, have you shed any in the studio - happy or sad - hearing your solo music back?

I don't know about happy tears. Sad tears over some of my ballads, definitely, but not happy tears.

You've started performing your solo music live - please tell us there are plans for more shows this year...

Yes, definitely. I want to get back on that stage as much as possible.

It's incredible. I've missed being on the stage. I just feel like when I'm up there, I'm so so happy. I feel just so content.

And finally, Pez, are you any closer to settling on an album title?

I think I have it. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps!

Perrie's Tears is released Friday June 21 via Columbia.