Westlife to release new album in 2021, have parted ways with their record label EMI Records

Westlife have confirmed that they are releasing a new album in 2021, and have parted ways with their record label EMI Records.

Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan shared a statement to their social media channels, explaining that their upcoming 12th studio album will not be released by EMI, who they signed with for their first studio album in nine years Spectrum in 2019, which reached Number 1 on the Official Irish Albums Chart and the UK's Official Albums Chart.

"We have started work on our brand new album due for release later this year," the announcement reads. "Due to a change in leadership and a breakdown of contractual negotiations, we have parted company with EMI Records by mutual consent."

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— Westlife (@westlifemusic) February 8, 2021

Westlife released just one album as part of EMI Records, subsidiary of Universal Music. The group were signed to Sony for their initial run of chart success from 1999 to 2011.

Westlife say that their next 18 months are "shaping up to be our biggest yet", which includes a "ground-breaking global partnership" to be announced imminently. 

Also in 2021, Westlife are due to headline Wembley Stadium in London for the first time on August 21, and play Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork on August 27 and 28.

Westlife have scored 11 Number 1 albums and 13 Number 1 singles in Ireland, and have topped the albums chart in the UK on eight occasions while also notching up 14 UK Number 1 singles.

MORE: The acts who have scored the Official Irish Chart double

© IRMA