Singer-songwriter Lorde has confirmed she will not be renewing her record deal with Universal Music Group. In a voice note shared with fans, she described the decision as a chance for a “clean slate,” adding that it has left her feeling “inspired.”
The news arrives as “Royals,” her 2013 breakout single, officially enters YouTube’s Billion Views Club.
Explaining why she chose not to renew her deal with Universal Music Group, Lorde indicated that there is no animosity between them, but she believes the timing felt right to move on.
“I have been in that contract for a very, very long time, in some form of that contract since I was 12 years old, when I signed my first development deal with Universal,” she explained. “And I adore them. They’re incredible people and I had an amazing experience with them. But the truth is that a 12-year-old girl pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like, and before she knew what she was signing away.”
Now 29, Lorde released five projects during her previous deal: Pure Heroine, Melodrama, Solar Power, its companion record Te Ao Mārama, and her latest album, Virgin.
What comes next remains uncertain, but she appears ready to fully embrace life as an independent artist.
“I knew that I needed to take a second to have nothing being bought or sold that comes from me,” she told fans. “When I see an opportunity for a clean slate, I try to take it. And it does feel different. It sounds like it wouldn’t, but it really does. I feel a feeling of openness and possibility and I’m inspired.”
This is not to say she’ll be independent forever: “I’m sure I’ll have a deal again, could well be with Universal. Her work slate isn’t exactly ‘clean’ at the moment, either – she still has seven shows left on her Ultrasound world tour, and is also booked in for multiple festival appearances over the summer.