Louis Tomlinson released “We Made It” on Thursday and announced a world tour that includes a pair of Canadian shows.
The song, which celebrates young love, was inspired by nights Tomlinson spent out in Manchester, England with his friends in the early days of One Direction.
“It made me realize I didn’t live in the real world anymore and I missed it,” he explained, in a release. "I loved being normal, reckless and stupid. It was the best escape. We’d stay up all night, talking about our dreams and what we thought would happen to us.
“That age is such an exciting time. You’ve no idea what the future holds, but you have so much potential. Where is my life headed? Who knows?”
MORE: Niall Horan Debuts "Nice To Meet Ya"
Tomlinson said the track’s chorus is about he and his fans. “Between us, it has taken a lot to get here. I’ve had to work really hard, had to learn about so much about myself,” said the singer. “I feel as though only when I get out to tour, to sing these songs directly to the fans, will I have cemented the start of my solo career.”
That tour kicks off March 14 in Sweden and runs through to July 23 with a concert in Vancouver. Tomlinson will perform June 12 in Toronto.
MORE: Harry Styles Premieres "Lights Up"
“We Made It” will be included on Tomlinson’s debut solo album Walls, which comes out Jan. 31. Although he has some released some collaborations over the past two years, the singer was eager to find himself musically.
“I have my own tastes and, to a certain extent, they are fighting against the musical tide,” he explained, citing early pop influences like Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, The Killers and Amy Winehouse.
“Times change, obviously. Currently pop is very urban and street, which is not what I relate to. Sure, I could make those sort of songs, but they wouldn’t feel like me. The puzzle was how to please both myself and the fans.”
Tomlinson said he’s the most confident he’s ever been. “Of course I want to be successful, but what matters is what my music means to me and what it means to the fans,” he said. “That’s the priority. The rest we’ll have to wait and see.”
Watch “We Made It” below: