The Voice season 8 winner Sawyer Fredericks informed fans via Twitter on Thursday that he has parted ways with Republic Records and Mick Management:
Hey #TeamSawyer! Some of the you have noticed and I’m no longer listed with Republic Records and Mick Management. Yes–I am now an independent artist and looking forward to 2017, working on releasing an independent album and continuing to tour! The parting of ways was an amicable and mutual decision. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from RR and all the continuing support from Mick. I know I’m in good hands with mom taking over managing my career. And with all of your devoted and enthusiastic support, 2017 is full of potential for artistic freedom and growth! I hope you join me.
Sawyer won NBC’s The Voice in the spring of 2015, but did not release an album, The Good Storm, until a year later, May 2016. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard Folk chart and sold 11,000 copies in the US in its first week. The singer released two singles from the set, “Take it All” and “4 Pockets.” He’s been touring almost non-stop since releasing the record.
His mom will take on managing his career, which might suit Sawyer, who loves his family farm in upstate New York. Moving to the big city was never going to be his thing. He’s a talented songwriter. Maybe he can have a career of somebody like Ray LaMontagne, who leads a private life in New Hampshire while managing a successful career as a singer and songwriter.
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For all The Voice artists who have signed with Republic after the show so far, it’s been pretty much a one and done kind of deal. Sawyer leaving the label is not a surprise.
Some behind the scene changes-but plan remains the same?Working 2 bring U new music ?& building our tour schedule 4 2017 &Be-yooond ? ???? pic.twitter.com/AyXdqcAhw1
— Sawyer Fredericks (@SawyerFrdrx) January 12, 2017