Halsey Says She’s ‘Not Allowed’ to Make an Album Right Now

Halsey, the 30-year-old artist known for her evocative lyrics and dynamic music style, recently shared some concerning news regarding her music career during an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music One. Halsey revealed that she is currently unable to produce a new album due to restrictions imposed by her record label, Columbia Records. This limitation stems from the perceived underperformance of her latest album, The Great Impersonator, which was released on October 25, 2024.

The Context of Halsey’s Frustration

In the interview, Halsey expressed her frustration, noting, “I can’t make an album right now. I’m not allowed to. It’s the reality.” She indicated that while The Great Impersonator debuted at an impressive No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, its sales did not meet the expectations set by her label. Specifically, the album sold approximately 100,000 copies in its first week—a notable achievement, especially in an industry where streaming has overshadowed physical sales. However, Halsey described this figure as a “failure” within the context of her previous works, particularly in light of the success of her 2020 album, Manic, which featured the hit single “Without Me.”

Manic peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is recognized as six times certified platinum, a benchmark that has set high expectations for Halsey’s subsequent releases. She reflected, “They want Manic numbers from me,” indicating that her history of commercial success places undue pressure on her current projects.

The Challenge of Industry Expectations

Halsey’s comments highlight a broader issue in the music industry—how established artists are often scrutinized through the lens of their past successes. With her current label, Columbia, following a split from Capitol Records in 2023, Halsey finds herself navigating an evolving musical landscape. She explained that while The Great Impersonator would be considered a success for most artists, it feels inadequate for her, illustrating the challenges faced by artists in maintaining relevance in an industry that is becoming increasingly driven by streaming metrics.

In a candid moment during the interview, Halsey acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning from being a mainstream pop star to feeling more niche in the current music scene. She remarked, “That’s the hardest part of having been a pop star once, because I’m not one anymore, and I’m being compared to people that I don’t consider lateral to me.” This statement underscores the often subjective nature of success within the industry, where comparisons can impact an artist’s creative freedom and mental health.

A Dedicated Fanbase

Despite these hurdles, Halsey expressed gratitude for her loyal fanbase, which she credits for allowing her to continue creating music. “I love them, God bless them, because they’re the only reason that I’m even able to make anything at all,” she stated. This connection with her fans seems to be a lifeline amid the pressures from the industry, highlighting the importance of audience relationships in an artist’s journey.

Halsey’s recent tour, which is touted as the highest-selling of her career, reflects the robust support from her fans. The tour, which included 32 sold-out dates, proves that her musical exploration and connection with her audience resonate deeply, even if her latest album did not meet label expectations.

Upcoming Projects and Tours

In addition to her current challenges, Halsey is preparing to embark on the Back to Badlands Tour, celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album, Badlands, which is set to commence in Los Angeles. This tour promises to be a significant moment for both Halsey and her fans, as it brings full circle her journey as an artist.

Despite being bound by label constraints, Halsey’s ongoing tours and live performances demonstrate her commitment to her craft and her audience. These interactions allow her to express her creativity outside the traditional studio setting, filling the void left by current restrictions.

Conclusion

Halsey’s situation illuminates the complex relationship between artists and the music industry. It raises pertinent questions about how success is defined and measured, particularly in an era driven by consumption patterns that may not fully encompass artistic value. As she navigates the complexities of her career, Halsey’s dedication to her music and her fans remains unwavering.

While she may currently feel constrained by her label’s expectations, the connection she has with her audience serves as a reminder that true success can often be found beyond chart positions or sales figures. Halsey’s story is a poignant example of the resilience often required to thrive in the entertainment industry, and fans eagerly await her next moves, hopeful for a future filled with new music that reflects her artistic evolution and personal journey.

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