In a significant career move, the acclaimed pop artist Lorde has officially departed from Universal Music Group, concluding a professional relationship that spanned nearly two decades. The New Zealand-born singer, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O'Connor, confirmed the news through a series of personal voice messages distributed to her fanbase via WhatsApp.
A Contract Signed in Youth
Lorde first entered into a development agreement with the major record label when she was merely 12 years old. That initial contract recently reached its expiration at the close of the previous year, marking the end of a 17-year association. The artist, now 29, candidly addressed the implications of such an early commitment during her audio updates.
Reflections on Creative Freedom
"I have been in that contract for a very long time, in some form of that contract since I was 12 years old when I signed my first development deal with Universal," Lorde explained. "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."
Despite her positive experiences with the label, Lorde emphasized her current desire for renewal and independence. She described feeling "a real hunger for newness" and likened the situation to "a new leaf is turning or a blank slate has been presented." This sentiment stems directly from the conclusion of her longstanding recording contract.
Embracing a Clean Slate
The singer did not completely dismiss the possibility of reuniting with Universal in future endeavors. "I'm sure I'll have a deal again, it could well be with Universal," she acknowledged. However, Lorde stressed the importance of taking a momentary pause from commercial obligations. "I knew that I needed to take a second to have nothing being bought or sold that comes from me," she stated.
Lorde elaborated on the psychological impact of this change, noting, "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."
Current Engagements and Future Plans
At the time of her announcement, Lorde was touring South America, performing at various festival dates. She specifically mentioned being in Paraguay for the Asunciónico festival in the capital city. In a lighter anecdote, she shared that she had recently played chess with fellow performer Addison Rae, who is also appearing at the event.
Looking ahead, Lorde is scheduled to headline the All Points East festival in London this coming August. The lineup will feature notable artists including Mercury Prize nominee PinkPantheress, Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson, American musician Audrey Hobert, and London-based singer Rose Gray.
This development follows Lorde's previous tease of new music in 2025 with a snippet titled 'WWT,' hinting at her first release in four years. Her departure from Universal represents a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, as she seeks to redefine her creative path without the constraints of a long-term contract established during her childhood.
