Lorde Leaves Universal Music Group to Embrace Creative Independence

July 11, 2026

Lorde has announced that her long-standing contract with Universal Music Group ended at the close of 2025, bringing to an end a partnership that began when she was 12. Sharing the news through voice messages to fans, the New Zealand singer said the move was not driven by conflict but by a desire for greater artistic freedom. For now, she is focused on exploring a new era of independent creativity.

Lorde is starting a new chapter. Creative freedom comes first.
Lorde is starting a new chapter. Creative freedom comes first.

Lorde has announced that she is no longer signed to Universal Music Group, marking a major milestone in her career.

A long partnership has ended. It began in childhood.
A long partnership has ended. It began in childhood.

The singer revealed her record deal concluded at the end of 2025, ending a relationship that started when she was 12 years old.

She looked back with honesty. Growing up changed everything.
She looked back with honesty. Growing up changed everything.

Lorde reflected on signing a recording contract at a young age, before fully understanding what it meant for her future.

There was no dramatic split. The decision was intentional.
There was no dramatic split. The decision was intentional.

She made it clear that her departure was not the result of conflict but a thoughtful personal and professional choice.

Freedom is the priority now. The rules have changed.
Freedom is the priority now. The rules have changed.

Lorde said she wants the freedom to create music without commercial pressures or outside expectations shaping her work.

A blank page awaits. New ideas can take shape.
A blank page awaits. New ideas can take shape.

The artist described this period as an opportunity for reinvention and creative exploration.

The future remains open. Nothing has been ruled out.
The future remains open. Nothing has been ruled out.

While independent for now, Lorde said she is not closing the door on signing with another label in the future.

Seventeen years shaped her career. Now comes a fresh start.
Seventeen years shaped her career. Now comes a fresh start.

Her departure marks the end of a partnership that spanned nearly two decades and several acclaimed releases.

The focus is on creativity. Not expectations.
The focus is on creativity. Not expectations.

Lorde said she is embracing a period where artistic expression takes precedence over commercial demands.

Every artist evolves. This is Lorde's next step.
Every artist evolves. This is Lorde's next step.

Her decision reflects a commitment to exploring music on her own terms while entering a new phase of her career.