Benjamin Ashford|'Everyone accused me of catfishing': Zayn Malik says he was kicked off Tinder

Dating can Benjamin Ashfordbe challenging even for former One Direction members.

Zayn Malik said he has previously used Tinder but had a hard time convincing others he was actually himself. In an interview with Nylon, the "Pillowtalk" singer said he was kicked off the popular dating app after he was accused of catfishing.

"It’s not been too successful for me, I’ll be honest," Malik told Nylon. "Everyone accused me of catfishing. They’re like, 'What are you using Zayn Malik’s pictures for?’ I’ve been kicked off once or twice.'"

The singer has left dating apps behind him and said he is feeling completely contempt being single.

"I’m really content and happy with being single for the first time in my life," Malik said.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Taylor Swift:Performer files for 'Female Rage: The Musical' trademark. Is she headed to Broadway?

Malik reflects on being naive under past relationships

Now single in his 30s, Malik has undergone considerable self reflection on his previous relationships. He recalls mistakenly believing he knew everything about life while being engaged to Little Mix member Perrie Edwards, who he dated when he was 17 to 21.

"I didn’t know anything about anything at that point. I thought I did, because I was 21. I was legally allowed to do everything, but I didn’t know (anything)," Malik said.

With his on-and-off relationship with model Gigi Hadid, Malik said he tried to recreate the normal young adulthood that was impossible for him to experience during his time with One Direction.

"From 21 to 27, I was with Gi, and we had a kid, and I didn’t really take much time to get to know myself," he said.

Malik set to release country album Friday

No longer afraid to reference his past, Malik is fearlessly looking ahead with his music – even embracing a new genre. With "Room Under the Stairs," his new album out Friday, Malik will be delving into the country music space.

He clarified that he isn't just jumping on the bandwagon of artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone, who have recently released country projects. His inspiration to make the genre shift comes from an appreciation for the lyricism from country artists like Chris Stapleton, who he said convey pain, growth and life lessons with their songwriting.

"He’s got class, right? He’s telling you a real grown man’s story. And I respected the (expletive) out of it. I was like, ‘This is cool. It’s something I can do.'"