“You and Me Got a Whole Lot of History”: How to Be a True Directioner
CREDITS: VOX
BY EMILIE MEINERS HOW TO EDITOR
Being a Directioner means more than just listening to music, but if you've found yourself singing along to “What Makes You Beautiful” or belting out “Story of My Life” whenever it comes on the radio, you might already be on the path to becoming one. For those of us who have been fans for a decade, One Direction’s impact runs deep. You may find me saying “What do you know about One Direction?” as if they don’t have 60M monthly listeners on spotify; just don’t take it personally. Getting to know their history and their story is probably the most important part. The band's story began on The X Factor UK in 2010 when Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomilson, and Liam Payne were brought together. They may not have won, but their chemistry was undeniable. Knowing the backstory can give you a new appreciation for each of them, like how Simon Cowell is a freak and took all the credit for creating them when it wasn’t even him who put them together. Chelsea Nelson, a long-time Directioner and Junior at Corner Canyon High School states that, “I think to be a Directioner, you have to be a strong hater of Simon Cowell.” The actual creator of One Direction was Nicole Scherzinger. If you want to fully experience One Direction magic, start by diving into their music, album by album. My personal favorite album of theirs would be Midnight Memories, but each album is amazing. From the first album, Up All Night, to Made in the A.M., each album marks a new chapter in their evolution. The music is an essential part of being a Directioner, obviously. Without music One Direction would probably just be in a Calvin Klein underwear ad, or Harry Styles would continue to work at the W. Mandeville Bakery in Holmes Chapel. Recently I had the pleasure of watching One Direction: This Is Us this past Thursday with my freaks, and I can say full-heartedly that this movie is one of the best movies i've ever seen. It show’s Simon Cowell being an npc, along with the members of the boy band bonding and whatnot. The movie also includes concert footage, backstage moments, and an insight into the members' personalities that make fans fall in love all over again. I know this article ended abruptly, but to be a true Directioner, you honestly just have to do you. Being part of this fandom isn’t about following a set of rules; it’s about celebrating the music, connecting with other fans, and holding onto the memories in your own way. Whether you’re revisiting old albums, sharing inside jokes, or staying hopeful for a reunion, the only thing that really matters is that you keep the One Direction spirit alive in a way that feels right for you.
This article was inspired by Liam Paynes passing, and the fans' newfound love for the band after the gut wrenching loss.
POSTED 11/8/2024
Rest in Peace Liam Payne 8/29/1993-10/16/2024
CHELSEA NELSON AND HER HARRY STYLES BLANKET
A One Direction Timeline
2010: One Direction is formed on The X Factor UK, with members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Niall Horan.
2011: Debut single What Makes You Beautiful is released; debut album Up All Night launches.
2012: Release of second album, Take Me Home; first world tour.
2013: This Is Us documentary film premieres; third album Midnight Memories is released.
2014: Fourth album Four launches, topping charts worldwide.
2015: Zayn Malik leaves the band; fifth album Made in the A.M. is released; band announces hiatus starting in 2016.