Lorde Steps Into Independence as Universal Contract Ends

TL;DR Summary
Lorde announced she’s now an independent artist after her Universal Music Group contract expired in late 2025, seeking a clean slate after signing with UMG at age 12. She praised the team at UMG but said she needed freedom from a pre-sold creative output, and Variety confirms she’s no longer with UMG. She had released Virgin through UMG in 2025 and is currently on her Ultrasound tour, with upcoming Los Angeles shows, while leaving open the possibility of future deals with Universal.
- Lorde Reveals She’s Now an Independent Artist After Her Contract With Universal Expired Last Year Variety
- Lorde Leaves Universal Music Group Pitchfork
- Lorde's contract with Universal ends Yahoo
- Lorde Embraces 'Clean Slate' as Independent Artist: 'I Needed to Take a Second' After UMG Deal Rolling Stone
- Lorde Confirms She’s Now an Independent Artist, Announces Deal With UMG Has Ended The Hollywood Reporter
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