Niall Horan drops ‘This Town,’ One Direction band mates throw support to the new soloist [VIDEO]

Niall Horan solo single this town — One Direction's Niall Horan signed a solo deal with Capital Records and released his debut single, "This Town," Thursday. YouTube/Niall Horan VEVO

Niall Horan is the new solo artist in town and his former One Direction band mates throw support on him as he released his debut single, “This Town,” Thursday.

The 23-year-old Irish singer-songwriter surprised One Direction fans with a new song about the hardship of moving on from a failed romantic relationship.

Been workin in the studio, wanted to share this song I just wrote with u guys. thank you for always being there https://t.co/LVIUAXi5PW
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) September 29, 2016

“This Town” went trending on Twitter as soon as Horan announced his first solo single’s release at 11 a.m. ET, and rose to top the real-time Billboard + Twitter Trending 140 chart for six hours on Thursday. His “1 Mic 1 Take” video has earned over 300,000 views less than 10 hours since its publication on YouTube.

wow I only released the song 4 and a half hours ago and you guys have it flying up the charts all over the place . Thank you
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) September 29, 2016

Fans of the now-defunct One Direction boy band welcomed Horan’s new solo single. Horan’s former band mates also threw support to the new soloist.

Feeling super proud @NiallOfficial . You sound great ! Great to see you at your bday bash!!
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) September 29, 2016

@NiallOfficial Ahhh, a lovely tune my friend. Congratulations. H
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) September 29, 2016

@NiallOfficial good luck boss give him all your support huge day for him proud of you boss __
— Liam (@LiamPayne) September 29, 2016

The guitar-playing acoustic balladeer recently signed a solo deal with Capitol Records and prepping for a collaboration with Shawn Mendes.

Horan launched his solo career following Zayn Malik, who left One Direction in 2015. The original five-man boy band was formed following the boys’ stint on “The X Factor” in the United Kingdom.

WATCH: Niall Horan drops first solo single ‘This Town’