Liam Payne had
some big news to share yesterday (July 21), as the 22-year-old singer revealed
his plans to launch a solo music career after signing a record contract with Capital
Records UK.
The One Direction
star said that he felt “really happy” to have signed to such a “prestigious”
label – but (understandably) some of his fans struggled to share his enthusiasm as they
expressed concerns over the boyband’s return.
Copyright [John Barrett/REX/Shutterstock]
Now his sister
Ruth has spoken out in support of her younger brother’s latest achievement, and
reassured fans that One Direction – consisting of Harry Styles, Niall Horan and
Louis Tomlinson – will return from their break soon.
She wrote: “So
happy for liam, im biased but hes so talented it would have been a shame for
him not to release music for 2 years! (sic)”
She continued: “I
cannot wait to be playing Liam’s music in my car #soexcited,” alongside several
happy emojis.
One fan then
asked the question on everyone’s mind: “He’s still staying in One Direction
though right??” Before she responded: “Yh, im not sure how a solo career in the
band ‘hiatus’ would affect membership ha (sic).”
Copyright [Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock]
After sharing his
good news, Liam also insisted that One Direction would always be his “family.”
He wrote in his
statement: “I’m really happy to have signed to such a prestigious label as
Capitol Records UK. Capitol Records has an amazing history stretching right
back before even Frank Sinatra and I’m really looking forward to becoming part
of their story.
"One
Direction will always be my family; I’m now excited to show what I can do as a
solo artist.”
Copyright [Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock]
Liam is the third
member of the band to sign a solo record deal, with Zayn Malik and Harry Styles
both signing to become vocalists in their own right. However, he is
the first to sign a deal outside of the band’s parent company, Sony.
President of
Capitol Records UK, Nick Raphael, said: “It’s not often you get the chance
to sign such a talented and ambitious 22-year-old who has already conquered the
world.”
We wish him – and
all of the boys – every success in their next chapters!