Pop star Kim Petras is seeking to sever ties with Republic Records, citing frustrations over delays in the release of her album, Detour. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Petras revealed that her completed album has been ready for six months, yet the record label has not provided a release date or compensated her collaborators. This has prompted her to formally request that Republic drop her from their roster.
Petras expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “My album has been done for 6 months but my record label has refused to give me a release date or pay my collaborators for the work they’ve done.” She emphasized her desire for greater autonomy in her career, saying, “I’m tired of having no control over my own life or career. I want to continue to self-fund and self-curate my own music.”
Despite her success, which includes a double-platinum collaboration with Sam Smith on the hit song “Unholy” that won a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Petras feels unsupported by the label. Her frustrations were further highlighted when she mentioned that she had self-funded a music video for a single that Republic has also not released. “Still no support,” she tweeted, criticizing the industry’s focus on trends over artistic integrity.
Petras signed with Republic Records in March 2021, during which time she released the EP Slut Pop and two studio albums, Feed the Beast and Problématique. Her recent comments indicate a growing rift between her artistic vision and the label’s priorities.
As of now, it remains uncertain when or how Detour will be released, but Petras has indicated that she plans to proceed with dropping the album independently. A representative for Republic Records did not respond to requests for comment regarding her situation.
The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges many artists face within the music industry, where creative control often clashes with commercial interests. Petras’ determination to take charge of her music career resonates with many artists seeking similar independence in a rapidly evolving landscape.
