Lorde Enters New Chapter: Contract with UMG Concludes, Seeks "Clean Slate"

Lorde, the acclaimed New Zealand singer, has informed fans via voice memos that her initial recording contract with Universal Music Group (UMG) officially ended in December. This significant agreement was originally signed when she was just 12 years old. The announcement was made on Wednesday, March 18.

Reflecting on her tenure with UMG, Lorde shared overwhelmingly positive sentiments, describing her experience as "amazing" and the individuals she worked with as "incredible." However, she candidly noted a key aspect of the original deal: it involved "pre-selling her creative output" before she had a full grasp of its future implications.

Lorde described her experience with UMG as "amazing," but highlighted that the original deal involved "pre-selling her creative output" before she fully understood its future implications.

A Future Without Immediate Obligations

Looking ahead, the artist suggested a potential return to a new recording agreement in the future, possibly even with Universal. Crucially, however, she emphasized a current need for a period free from any existing contractual obligations for her artistic work. Lorde characterized this transition as an opportunity for a "clean slate," expressing feelings of profound openness and inspiration.

In addition to these professional updates, Lorde shared glimpses into her recent personal life, which includes reading and playing chess. Her Ultrasound World Tour is currently scheduled to conclude in 2026.