John Mayer announced Friday that he’s leaving Columbia Records, the label that has been his home since his debut album came out in 2001. The surprising declaration comes during a lull in a national tour behind what has apparently turned out to be his last Columbia album, “Sob Rock.”
Mayer revealed the news in an Instagram post that read: “After 21 years, eight studio albums, and some wonderful personal and creative relationships, I have decided not to renew my recording agreement with Columbia Records. Hard as it is to say goodbye, I’m excited to pursue new avenues of making music, both of my own and with other artists.”
He continued, “I love music more than ever, and I believe some of my best work still lies ahead. With gratitude and enthusiasm, John.” Unlike his other Instagram posts, Mayer turned off comments for this one.
Representatives for Columbia did not immediately respond to PvNew‘s request for comment. Mayer’s independent reps said there would not be any immediate additional comment coming from the musician.
Much will be read into Mayer’s statement as to where any differences between him and Columbia brass lie, with the emphasis on working “with other artists” suggesting that perhaps he is interested in pursuing more collaborations like his ongoing side gig as a frontman for Dead & Co. Alternately, the “best work lies ahead” would seem to hint that maybe he feels taken for granted as more of a catalog than current artist.
ned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram/p/CasuO-7Pth-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">A post shared by John Mayer
