Blake Lewis Parts Ways With Arista Records; Plans Next Album

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FIRST PUBLISHED: June 26, 2008 7:33 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: June 26, 2008 9:03 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Six months after the release of his debut album, “Audio Day Dream,” “Idol” Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis and Arista Records have parted ways.

“Arista Records will not be picking up Blake’s option and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” the label said in a statement on Wednesday.

But the beatboxer isn’t wasting time sitting on his hands.

“I don’t think I got shafted — they treated me well,” he told MTV News on Thursday. “It’s just that the industry is eating itself alive. There are only three major labels left, and I have experienced the deterioration of the industry.”

Lewis said he’s proud of his album, which sold 300,000 copies, and already has plans for his next project.

“Arista went through a lot of changes,” Lewis said. “The person who was working on my record was fired… I guess in the world of radio, selling 300,000 is not a success. I beg to differ. I couldn’t be happier, and my fans are amazing and super-supportive.”

Lewis remains with 19 Recordings and is working on booking a tour and getting the electronica-fueled “A.D.D.” released in Europe.

Lewis also told MTV News he’s written four songs for his next album, which he’s planning on co-producing with drummer Kevin “KJ” Sawka.

“[It’s] Massive Attack meets Zero 7,” he said of his potential sophomore release. “Drum-and-bass with a little pop influence.”

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