As the year is coming to an end, 2018 looks to be seeing the beginning of new opportunities. Recently, former One Direction member, Louis Tomlinson released a statement saying that his debut solo album is set to come out next year. Already having released three singles over the course of this year – and winning a VMA for best UK & Ireland Act – like “Just Hold On,” “Back to You” and “Just Like You,” Tomlinson’s album is highly anticipated by fans worldwide.

After One Direction’s break in late 2016, all four members have received considerable success in their solo careers. Fellow band mates Harry Styles and Niall Horan have both released albums, respectively, earlier this year, while Liam Payne leaves fans curious when his debut solo album will be released.

During an interview with The Guardian, Tomlinson opened up about his doubts about having a solo career. He said that “If you asked me 18 months ago: Are you going to do anything as a solo artist? I’d have said absolutely not.”

Despite his initial doubt with starting a solo career, Tomlinson was excited to release his own music. He wanted to try and write music that communicates with his audience from a more honest standpoint, something that was not a offered while in One Direction.

Hailey Morales, while not a fan of Tomlinson or One Direction, stated that “It’s cool that he wants to make a name for himself, so hopefully his album debut goes well.”