Louis Tomlinson signs first artist to new record label

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is taking the first steps to become a music mogul, like his band's mentor Simon Cowell, by launching his own record label.

The 23-year-old singer's new venture is being backed by Sony and is an imprint of Cowell's Syco label.

Tomlinson tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "This is something I've wanted to do for some time. To be given the opportunity to potentially give new artists a platform is an incredible feeling. I hope to sign some really exciting new artists down the line."

His first signing is U.K. X Factor finalist Jack Walton, and Tomlinson is planning to to hold auditions for a new girl band.