Pop visionary Lorde is ushering in a transformative era of independence. In an intimate voice note shared with fans on Wednesday (March 18) ahead of her Ultrasound festival appearances, the singer-songwriter revealed that her long-standing partnership with Universal Music Group has officially concluded.
The “Royals” artist had been under the Universal umbrella for nearly two decades, a tenure that began during her childhood. “At the end of last year, my record contract with Universal came to a close,” she explained. “I’ve been tied to that agreement in various forms since I was 12 years old, when I initially signed a development deal.”
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Lorde expressed immense gratitude for the collaborators who supported her through four studio albums, beginning with her 2013 breakout, Pure Heroine. However, she admitted the complexity of a deal signed so young. “I have nothing but love for the incredible people there,” she noted. “But the reality is that a 12-year-old girl committed her future creative output long before she understood the gravity of what she was signing away.”
Now 29, the Grammy winner isn’t ruling out a future label partnership—potentially even a return to Universal—but she emphasized the necessity of this current hiatus from the corporate machinery. She described a profound need to exist in a space where her art isn’t immediately “bought or sold.”
“Whenever I see the chance for a clean slate, I try to seize it,” she said. “This feels different. There’s a sense of openness and inspiration that comes with removing those structural boundaries for a moment. It’s incredibly exciting.”
Beyond her professional shifts, Lorde is embracing personal milestones. She shared that she is currently studying for her driver’s permit, joking that she aims to be licensed before turning 30. Additionally, she has moved her creative process out of the house for the first time by leasing a dedicated office and studio space. “I’ve managed everything from my bed for as long as I can remember,” she revealed. “I’m eager to see how a formalized workspace changes my perspective.”
Lorde’s legacy with Universal remains formidable. Since “Royals” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks in 2013, she has consistently delivered critically acclaimed projects, including Melodrama (2017), Solar Power (2021), and her most recent effort, Virgin (2025). Every one of her full-length albums has reached the top five of the Billboard 200.
As she navigates life as an independent artist, her schedule remains packed with high-profile performances. She is slated to headline major events such as California’s BottleRock Napa Valley and New York’s Governor’s Ball. Furthermore, she was recently confirmed as a headliner for Lollapalooza 2026, joining a powerhouse lineup that includes Charli xcx, JENNIE, and Tate McRae.
