Lorde, the pop superstar, has officially declared herself an independent artist, sharing this news with her fans in a heartfelt voice memo published on Tuesday. This announcement marks a significant milestone for one of the world's biggest acts, as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.
"I've been tied to a contract for a very, very long time," Lorde told her fans in the voice memo. "Since I was 12 years old, when I first signed my development deal with Universal, I've been under some form of contract." She expressed her admiration for the label, stating that they are "incredible people" and that she had an "amazing experience" with them. However, she also revealed that she "pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like," and before she fully understood the implications of signing away her rights as a young artist.
Lorde expressed her certainty that she would sign another deal, potentially with Universal, but added that she felt the need to take a step back and have a clean slate. "When I see an opportunity for a fresh start, I try to seize it," she said.
Lorde's music journey began with her debut album, Pure Heroine, when she was just 16 years old, thanks to the global smash hit "Royals," which topped the Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Song of the Year. She followed it up with her beloved sophomore album, Melodrama, in 2017, and then took a bold sonic departure with Solar Power in 2021. After a four-year hiatus, she returned with last year's Virgin.
In addition to this major change in her music representation, Lorde also shared her preparations for upcoming shows, including festival appearances and a recently announced headlining slot at Lollapalooza in Chicago later this year. She'll be playing a pair of shows at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, which she described as the end of her Ultrasound World Tour.
The voice memo also revealed that Lorde is studying to get her driver's permit, quipping, "I must be a licensed driver before I turn 30." She told fans that she has leased an office to provide herself with a more dedicated space to handle her art, a change from the "bedroom studio" where she had been working for so long.
A fresh start and a clean slate are clearly concepts that resonate deeply with Lorde. Her first taste of artistic independence since pursuing a career as a musician has undoubtedly influenced her mindset. "Newness is kind of the theme, a clean slate," she said. "I don't know if you saw my phone background that says 'I have no master,' but I'm really trying to feel what that feels like."
