Halsey claims record label won’t release new single unless they ‘fake a viral moment on TikTok’
(TikTok @halsey)
Halsey has accused her record label of holding back the release of her new single unless she can go viral on TikTok.
Following Halsey’s claims that their management team is encouraging her to create a “fake a viral moment” on TikTok, the “Nightmare” singer has slammed Astralwerks – an off-shoot of Capitol Records – once again.
It follows a previous feud over how they were treated by their label during their pregnancy.
Addressing the situation in a TikTok video on 22 May, 27-year-old Halsey explained that they are being barred from releasing a song unless they can “fake a viral moment on TikTok” to gain publicity.
She continued: “Everything is marketing and they are doing this to every artist these days. I just want to release music, man and I deserve better tbh. I’m tired.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@halsey/video/7100595685912775979
The video has since received more than one million likes.
The “Without Me” singer later took to Twitter to say that they had revisited the situation with her record label, but was still denied the opportunity to release a single.
Talked to my label tonight after my tiktok tantrum. They said “wow the tiktok is going really strong!” I was like ok cool so can I release my song now? They said “we’ll see!” 🙃 tell me again how I’m making this up.
— h (@halsey) May 23, 2022
Halsey criticised the music industry’s treatment of pregnant people in an August 2021 interview with Zane Rowe following the birth of their child the previous month. The singer claimed they were treated like a “teen mom”, with the media focusing on her pregnancy rather than her 2021 album: If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.
The pop star later told Hits Daily Double in November that their record label left her feeling “powerless” during pregnancy.
“Updating my progression to accommodate execs and investors, making sure the arrival of my child was timely enough that it wouldn’t cost anyone money, was dehumanising”, the singer said.
Halsey is currently on their Love and Power Tour, which kicked off in West Palm Beach, Florida, on 17 May.
