Singer-songwriter Halsey recently revealed her record label is preventing her from releasing new music following disappointing sales of her most recent album, “The Great Impersonator,” which was released last October.
In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Halsey, 30, said she is unable to work on new material due to restrictions from Columbia Records.
“I can’t make an album right now,” Halsey said. “I’m not allowed to.”
The “Closer” singer explained that her recent album struggled commercially, which has created tension with her label. “If I’m being honest with you, the album sold 100,000 copies first week,” Halsey said. “That’s a pretty big first week, especially for an artist who hasn’t had a hit in a long time. It was harder and harder for me to get records out.”
Halsey said the album’s underwhelming performance has led to increased pressure from her label. She expressed frustration with being held to previous success standards, such as when her hit LP ‘Manic’ dropped in 2020, selling 239,000 units in the first week and debuting at number two on the Billboard Hot 200.
“That’s the hardest part of having been a pop star once,” Halsey said. “I’m not one anymore, but I am being compared to numbers and to other people that I don’t consider lateral to me.”
Beyond her career challenges, Halsey has also been dealing with significant health struggles which she made public in 2024. In June, she revealed on Instagram that she was diagnosed with Lupus SLE and a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in 2022.
“Both of which are currently being managed or in remission, and both of which I will likely have for the duration of my life,” Halsey wrote. “After a rocky start, I slowly got everything under control with the help of amazing doctors. After 2 years, I’m feeling better, and I’m more grateful than ever to have music to turn to.”