Jesy Nelson is reportedly gearing up to release her second solo single with an independent label – two months after she left record company Polydor.
The 31-year-old’s follow-up effort comes nearly a year after her debut solo single, Boyz, was released along with a controversial music video, following her departure from the band Little Mix in 2020.
Nelson was met with accusations of ‘blackfishing’ in the song and video by fans and her former bandmates, leading to a public online spat between them which saw the three remaining Little Mix members unfollow the star in reaction.
A source has claimed it’s been a “bumpy 12 months” for Nelson following the negative response to Boyz, which culminated in her leaving her record label, and now the singer has decided to go down the independent route in releasing new music.
“It’s been a bumpy 12 months but Jesy is almost ready to release new music once more,” an insider told Mail Online.
“Things are naturally going a lot slower due to the fact she’s now an independent artist but she now has 10 per cent control to do as she pleases.
“The song has been chosen and plans are in motion.”
The Evening Standard has contacted Nelson’s representatives for comment.
Nelson signed to major label Polydor Records in May 2021, joining music stars Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Becky Hill.
After releasing debut single Boyz through the label, which reached Number four, her album was delayed.
Nelson subsequently left Polydor in July this year.
An insider confirmed her departure from the label as they told The Sun: “Jesy decided it was the right time for her to make a clean break.
‘”She and the label have been going in different directions in recent months. And while there hasn’t been a fall-out, Jesy just felt it was better to start afresh now – while everyone was still friends.
“Jesy enjoyed her time with Polydor – but feels, rather than go on together while having such differing musical ideas for the future, she now wants to be able to fully develop her own ideas as an individual artist.”
Nelson has been in Los Angeles these past few months collaborating with songwriters and producers on new music.
The singer recently cleared her Instagram account, leading fans to suspect a second project is arriving soon.
Nelson’s spokesperson said following her label exit: “Jesy Nelson feels now is the right time for her to move in a new direction. As a result, she has decided to part company with Polydor.”