Dust off your super original "different directions" jokes, because Liam Payne will be releasing solo music soon.

Payne has signed to Republic Records in North America, according to Billboard. This means that all the 1D boys except Louis Tomlinson have solo deals, but Tomlinson's a little busy right now.

SEE ALSO:Zayn Malik is totally psyched he can sing about sex after leaving One Direction

Payne previously signed to Capitol UK back in July, so securing a deal in North America could mean that new music is imminent.

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"With Republic’s track record of launching powerhouse talent in the U.S. including superstars like Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Lorde, and countless others, I am more than confident we have assembled the best possible team alongside Capitol’s UK label to launch and shepherd Liam’s solo career," Payne's manager, Simon Oliveira, said in a statement.

Earlier this year, a demo Payne made with Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J leaked, suggesting that Payne, like Zayn, may be focusing on R&B with his new music. If that's the case, being on Republic's roster could help him score more collaborations.

Harry Styles' solo music is looming somewhere in the future while he juggles music with his promising film career. Meanwhile, Niall Horan just released his first single and will start playing solo shows soon. The Irish singer-songwriter made his first solo press appearance on The Graham Norton Showon Saturday and announced he has all the songs written for his debut album and is in the process of recording them.

But, do not fear Directioners, Horan revealed there's a reunion in the "foreseeable" future, which is certainly something to work with.

Via Giphy

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