Lorde Leaves Universal Music After 17 Years: ‘A Blank Slate’

Lorde has ended her 17-year relationship with Universal Music Group, the singer revealed via a series of voice messages sent to fans through WhatsApp. The Recent Zealand-born artist, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O’Connor, first signed a development deal with the label at age 12, with the contract expiring at the complete of 2025.

“I feel a real hunger for newness, and like a new leaf is turning or a blank slate has been presented,” Lorde shared with her fans. “I have been in that contract for a highly long time, in some form of that contract since I was 12 years old when I signed my first development deal with Universal. I adore them, they’re incredible people and I’ve had an amazing experience with them, but the truth is that a 12 year-old girl pre-signed, pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like, and before she knew what she was signing away.”

The singer indicated she is open to future collaborations with Universal, but prioritized a period of creative independence. “I’m sure I’ll have a deal again, it could well be with Universal, but I knew that I needed to seize a second to have nothing being bought or sold that comes from me,” she said. “When I see an opportunity for a clean slate I try to take it, so 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 and, of course, I’m working and all this stuff. It just feels exciting to have removed the container, or something, for a second.”

Lorde also shared a recent social encounter with Addison Rae, who is performing at the Asunciónico festival in Paraguay, where Lorde is currently on tour. She is scheduled to perform at the festival Wednesday night.

The departure from Universal comes as Lorde prepares to headline London’s All Points East festival in August. She will share the stage with Mercury Prize nominee PinkPantheress, Swedish artist Zara Larsson, U.S. Artist Audrey Hobert, and London-based Rose Gray.