Lorde has taken control as a fully independent artist. The New Zealand singer shared the update in voice memos to fans on March 18, revealing her deal with Universal Music Group, first inked when she was 12, concluded last December. The artist broke through in 2013 with her debut Pure Heroine and its standout single ‘Royals‘, scoring Grammys including Song of the Year. That success set the stage for a career marked by introspective songwriting and a unique place in alternative pop.

In those messages, Lorde expressed genuine appreciation for her time at the label, calling the people there incredible. Yet she pointed out the odd position of having pre-sold her creative work as a child before fully understanding the terms or her own artistic direction. She emphasized the importance of this pause, noting she needed a moment where nothing tied to her output was being bought or sold. The singer indicated she will probably enter into another agreement down the line, and it could even be back with Universal Music Group, but this break feels essential right now.

As she readies herself for the Ultrasound World Tour, Lorde spent part of the memos chatting about everyday stuff like diving into strange books and playing chess against Addison Rae. Lorde had this to say: “I adore them, they’re incredible people, and I have had an amazing experience with them. But the truth is that a 12-year-old girl pre-signed and pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like and before she knew what she was signing away. When I see an opportunity for a clean slate I take it. And it does feel different. It sounds like it wouldn’t but it really does. I feel a feeling of openness and possibility and am inspired.“