Zayn Malik, former member of the boy band One Direction, recently announced that he signed a deal with RCA Records. The 22-year-old further said that he left One Direction with a view to make "real music." TMZ reports that television producer Simon Cowell served as the link between Malik and the record company and facilitated the deal.

According to a report in IB Times, after the latest deal, One Direction, which earlier signed up with Columbia and Syco record labels, and Malik are on competing labels. TMZ reports that though Cowell created One Direction, he felt that RCA was the best way forward for Malik to distinguish as a solo artist. Guardian speculates that the move may indicate that henceforth Malik would be making music that is more adult and less pop.

The recent move by Malik comes after One Direction fans were despairing at his exit from the group in March this year and blamed his girlfriend Perrie Edwards for his decision to leave the band. Earlier, the singer had said that he was quitting One Direction because he desired to be "a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."

Meanwhile Us Weekly reports that One Direction has taken offense at Malik's latest deal, while the singer's fans supported his move. In fact, after the announcement Malik retweeted a post that read, "You are stupid. Real music meaning real to him. Real because he has written and recorded it solely to what he likes.Real to himself like lol."

Currently, Malik is working with R&B producer Malay, who earlier partnered with singers like Frank Ocean and John Legend. Earlier this year, Malik also worked with British dance pop producer Naughty Boy, but the partnership soon fell apart after he accused the producer of leaking their collaboration. Malik then tweeted, "@NaughtyBoyMusic you fat joke stop pretending we're friends no one knows you."

In addition to RCA Records, Malik has also signed with brand management company Turn First, which also has Australian singer Iggy Azalea under its realm, and will be guided by Sarah Stennett.

The lineup of stars at RCA Records includes famous names like Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Hilary Duff, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Kesha and Miley Cyrus.