Halsey says she’s blocked from releasing new music
EVANSTON, Ill. — Pop star Halsey, known for hits like Closer, Without Me, and Nightmare, revealed she is currently unable to work on a new album due to her record label’s expectations. The singer shared her frustrations during an Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe released Sept. 18.
“I can’t make an album right now—I’m not allowed to”
Halsey said.
“That’s the reality, because The Great Impersonator didn’t perform the way they thought it was going to.”
Pressure to match past success
Halsey, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, stressed the challenges of being compared to her 2020 album Manic, which was a commercial and critical high point.
“If I’m being honest with you, the [Great Impersonator] album sold 100,000 f–king copies first week,” she said. “That’s a pretty big first week, especially for an artist who hasn’t had a hit in a long time. The tour is the highest selling tour of my entire career, but they want Manic numbers from me… I can’t do that every single time.”
She added, “Everyone wants Manic numbers from me. It’s seen as a failure in the eyes of others based on the success I had before… I can’t do that every single time,” implying the pressure from her label and the industry has been a limiting factor in releasing new music.
Halsey’s career highlights
Since rising to fame in 2014, Halsey has become one of pop’s most recognizable artists. She first gained mainstream attention with Badlands (2015) and went on to release multiple chart-topping albums, including Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017) and Manic (2020). Her signature singles, such as Closer with The Chainsmokers, earned international acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations.
Despite commercial pressures, Halsey has maintained a strong fan base and continues to sell out tours. Her latest project, The Great Impersonator (2024), debuted with significant first-week sales, highlighting her continued relevance in the industry.
Looking ahead
Halsey’s comments underscore the growing tension between artist creativity and label expectations. While fans await new music, the singer is navigating the delicate balance between artistic freedom and commercial performance. She remains vocal about the emotional toll of constant comparisons, advocating for recognition of her achievements even when they don’t match prior peaks.
