John Mayer Leaves Columbia Records to “Pursue New Avenues”

John Mayer has just announced that he is officially leaving his longtime label Columbia Records.

“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,” the artist wrote on Instagram detailing the unexpected news.

“I love music more than ever, and I believe some of my best work still lies ahead. With gratitude and enthusiasm, John.”

Mayer, back in December, had spoken highly of Columbia Records’ top executives Ron Perry and Jennifer Mallory.

“We artists are unreasonable; that is our job,” he began. “We catch ideas we can’t let go of. Ron, Jen and the rest of the team have adopted a working relationship that I think is the most open-minded and fun it’s ever been in my 20-year career as a Columbia recording artist.”

Mayer’s last album with the label was his 2021 release, Sob Rock.

Photo credit: Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock.com