Lorde Splits With Manager

Lorde and longtime manager Scott Maclachlan have reportedly split, with the Auckland, N.Z., duo parting ways “about a month ago.”

Photo: Matt Sayles / Invision / AP

American Music Awards, Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles, Calif.

The New Zealand Herald notes that Lorde’s image is removed from the website of Maclachlan’s Saiko Management. Machlachlan and Universal Music NZ declined to comment. Lorde is currently working on her second album.

The pair began working together in 2008. UK-born Maclachlan, then in A&R at Universal Music NZ, was sent a video of12-year old Ella Yelich-O’Connor at a talent quest fronting her school band. He got her a solo development deal, and later played an essential role in her rise to international acclaim through her chart topping “Royals” mid-2013. She went on to pick up 29 international awards including two Grammys.

At a music biz Q&A session in Sydney, Australia, in March, Maclachlan spoke about his role in protecting his young client, and how many in the music industry were skeptical the duo’s shared ideals could achieve global success. “That, at times, was very, very tough,” Maclachlan admitted.

Saiko Management continues to manage chart topping operatic pop cousins Sol3 Mio, dubstep duo Mt Eden, pop gospel artist Parson James and alt-pop act Thomston.