Lorde Leaves Universal Music: Singer Seeks ‘Clean Slate’ After 12-Year Deal

Lorde has become an independent artist after parting ways with Universal Music Group (UMG), ending a relationship that began when she was 12 years traditional, the New Zealand singer-songwriter announced to fans. Her most recent album, Virgin, was released through UMG’s Virgin Records in June 2025.

In a voice note shared with her fanbase, Lorde described her departure as a necessary step toward creative freedom. “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 said. “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.”

Lorde rose to international prominence in 2013 with the release of her debut album, Pure Heroine, at age 16, propelled by the success of the single “Royals.” She subsequently released Melodrama in 2017 and Solar Power in 2021, both through Universal. The decision not to renew her contract marks a significant shift in her career, allowing her full control over her future artistic endeavors.

“I knew that I needed to accept a second to have nothing being bought or sold that comes from me,” Lorde explained. “When I observe an opportunity for a clean slate, I try to take it. And it does experience different. It sounds like it wouldn’t, but it really does. I feel a feeling of openness and possibility and I’m inspired.”

As she approaches her 30th birthday in November, Lorde indicated she is focusing on personal pursuits alongside her career, including obtaining a driver’s license and learning to play chess. She has also established a new office to manage her day-to-day professional activities. “It just feels exciting to have, I don’t know, removed the container or something, for a second,” she told fans. “So yeah, newness is kind of the theme. Clean slate, openness, newness.”

Despite the change in her contractual status, Lorde remains actively engaged in performing. She is currently touring in South America and is scheduled to appear at several major music festivals this summer, including Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Governors Ball in New York, and Lollapalooza in Chicago.

The move comes as Universal Music Group continues to expand its holdings in the music industry. In February 2026, UMG and Virgin closed a $775 million deal to acquire Downtown, a move intended to bolster UMG’s position in the market, according to the Hollywood Reporter.