Lorde departs longtime record label to become independent artist

EntertainmentMusic
19 Mar 2026 • 6:16 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Lorde, the New Zealand-born pop star, has announced her departure from her longtime record label, Universal Music Group.
  • The 29-year-old singer's contract expired at the end of last year, having first signed a development deal with the label when she was just 12.
  • She shared the news with fans via WhatsApp voice messages, expressing a desire for a “clean slate” and ”newness” after signing away her creative output at a young age.
  • Lorde did not rule out re-signing with Universal in the future but said she needed a period where her work was not being ”bought or sold”.
  • Currently on a South American festival tour, Lorde is also set to headline London's All Points East festival in August.

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