Lorde has confirmed she is now operating as an independent artist, revealing the move on Wednesday (March 18) through a series of community voice notes. The announcement marks a decisive break from the major-label system that has backed her entire career to date, signaling a new phase defined by full autonomy.
The shift effectively ends her longstanding relationship with Universal Music Group and its affiliated imprints, including Lava Records and Republic Records. Since signing a development deal in her early teens, Lorde has released every project under that umbrella, from 2013’s Pure Heroine through 2017’s Melodrama and 2021’s Solar Power. Her most recent album, Virgin, arrived on June 27, 2025 via Republic and Universal Music New Zealand.
News of her independence quickly spread across fan communities, where the decision has been widely celebrated as a natural extension of her long-established creative control. Throughout her discography, Lorde has maintained a hands-on role in songwriting and co-production. Operating independently now removes the final layer of external oversight, giving her direct control over release strategies, timelines, and distribution partnerships.
Her most recent album, Virgin, was released nearly a year ago. The project was shaped by a period of personal upheaval, including a breakup, a move to New York City, and an openly discussed battle with an eating disorder. Across singles like “What Was That,” “Man of the Year,” and “Hammer,” she explored themes of femininity and identity with a sharper, more introspective lens. The album debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 and reached No. 1 in the U.K., and Australia.
Support for the record continues with the Ultrasound World Tour, which launched in September 2025 and is scheduled to run through September 2026. A Latin American leg is set to begin April 28 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Leave a Reply