Liam Payne’s music ambitions reportedly led to disagreements with his record label, culminating in their decision to drop him just days before his tragic death.

Former One Direction star Liam Payne was quietly let go by his record label, Universal Music, amid concerns that the direction of his new music wouldn’t resonate with his existing fanbase, sources have claimed.

The 31-year-old singer, who passed away in Buenos Aires last week, had been working on a second album before the label put the project on hold.

According to insiders, Payne’s desire to create music that reflected his personal tastes clashed with the label’s vision, which was more focused on retaining his One Direction audience.

That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to @LiamPayne… pic.twitter.com/LE9CeiqsjA

— Ant Middleton (@antmiddleton) October 17, 2024

“Liam wanted to make the sort of music he enjoyed, but his label believed it wouldn’t win over 1D fans,” a source told DailyMail.com.

The decision to drop Payne reportedly coincided with industry-wide budget cuts, as well as negative press and online ridicule directed at the singer.

Erratic behaviour

The memes and jokes circulating about Payne are said to have influenced the label’s decision to distance itself from him.

Despite his wealth, the decision deeply affected Payne, who, according to insiders, felt the pressure to compete with his former bandmates.

His erratic behaviour in recent months, including a concerning TikTok appearance in September, had also raised concerns among fans.

Payne’s death has left his fanbase and the music industry mourning the loss of a talented artist whose potential was stifled by industry pressures and personal struggles.