Lorde has confirmed her departure from Universal Music Group
The New Zealand singer is now fully independent after her childhood contract ends.
Through a series of voice memos shared with fans, Lorde has announced that she is now operating as a fully independent artist. The contract she originally entered into with Universal Music Group at the age of 12 has reached its conclusion.
Reflecting on the partnership, Lorde spoke of her former label home. "I adore them, they're incredible people, and I have had an amazing experience with them," she says. "But the truth is that a 12-year-old girl pre-signed and pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like and before she knew what she was signing away."
The New Zealand singer has not ruled out entering a new agreement down the line, noting it "could well be with Universal", but stressed that she "needed to take a second to have nothing being bought or sold that comes from me." On embracing her newfound independence, she shared: "When I see an opportunity for a clean slate I 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 am inspired."
Elsewhere in the memos, Lorde touched on her recent activities, which include playing chess with Addison Rae (this would make an excellent feature - please let us know if either of you fancy a game - Ed). Her Ultrasound World Tour in support of 'Virgin' continues through the remainder of 2026.
Reflecting on the partnership, Lorde spoke of her former label home. "I adore them, they're incredible people, and I have had an amazing experience with them," she says. "But the truth is that a 12-year-old girl pre-signed and pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like and before she knew what she was signing away."
The New Zealand singer has not ruled out entering a new agreement down the line, noting it "could well be with Universal", but stressed that she "needed to take a second to have nothing being bought or sold that comes from me." On embracing her newfound independence, she shared: "When I see an opportunity for a clean slate I 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 am inspired."
Elsewhere in the memos, Lorde touched on her recent activities, which include playing chess with Addison Rae (this would make an excellent feature - please let us know if either of you fancy a game - Ed). Her Ultrasound World Tour in support of 'Virgin' continues through the remainder of 2026.