JP Saxe, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, detailed in a guest column for Variety his decision to cancel a headlining tour approximately one year ago. This cancellation, attributed to low ticket sales, ultimately led to a significant reevaluation of his career path and his transition to becoming an independent artist. The experience, rather than being viewed as a setback, has been framed by Saxe as a pivotal moment that redefined his understanding of success and creative fulfillment.
Key Facts
JP Saxe, known for his hit song “If the World Was Ending,” wrote a guest column for Variety detailing the aftermath of his tour cancellation. The incident occurred approximately one year ago, and his reflections were published recently. Saxe has since released new music and embarked on an independent career path after releasing two albums with Arista Records.
What Happened
Approximately a year prior to his reflections, JP Saxe made the difficult decision to cancel an ambitious headlining tour due to low ticket sales. Instead of avoiding the subject, Saxe chose transparency, explaining the situation publicly through a TikTok video and a guest column. This act of honesty, which he initially felt was simply less exhausting than pretense, was not intended as a strategic move or to be perceived as brave.
The cancellation, however, unexpectedly interrupted his established career trajectory. Saxe stated that without this interruption, he likely would not have created his upcoming album, “Okay Piano Guy,” nor would he have initiated a production company with his band or significantly expanded his songwriting collaborations with admired artists. The experience ultimately served as a catalyst for his departure from a major label and his embrace of independent artistry.
What They Said
JP Saxe stated, “A year ago I wrote about canceling my tour. I wrote about it because I didn’t know what else to do besides tell the truth.” He further explained, “It wasn’t strategic. It wasn’t meant to be seen as brave (as it was bizarrely labeled). It just felt less exhausting than pretending.” Regarding the impact of the cancellation, Saxe noted, “I wouldn’t have made this album if I’d gone on that tour. I probably wouldn’t have started a production company with my band.
I wouldn’t have spent the last year writing with so many artists I admire. I wouldn’t have become a Jonas cousin. Most importantly, I’m not sure I would’ve become an independent artist.” He also shared his personal struggle with comparing his career to others, saying, “I kept moving the finish line to wherever another artist happened to be standing.
That fucked me up.”Saxeshared his perspective on the music industry, observing, “When numbers, reactions, and entire narratives can be manufactured, protecting the appearance of success starts to feel like a waste of a creative life.”
Background
JP Saxe, a Canadian singer-songwriter, gained significant recognition with his 2019 hit song “If the World Was Ending,” a duet with Julia Michaels. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Prior to this success, Saxe spent time sleeping in his car as a struggling musician before signing with Arista Records. During his six years with the label, he released two albums.
His career was characterized by a perceived need for continuous upward momentum, often measured against the trajectory of other artists like Noah Kahan. This comparison culture, he explained, led to confusion about his own ambitions and a constant chase for external validation rather than internal creative fulfillment. The cancellation of his tour marked a critical juncture, prompting him to question externally defined metrics of success.
What’s Next
Following his tour cancellation and subsequent reevaluation, JP Saxe has embraced an independent career path. He is set to release his forthcoming album, titled “Okay Piano Guy,” on October 23. Saxe expressed immense pride in this new body of work, stating that the songs and the definition of success he is pursuing now belong entirely to him.
He has also been actively involved in songwriting collaborations with numerous artists he admires and recently contributed to Nick Jonas’ 2026 album, “Sunday Best.” Saxe has also joined Megan Moroney as direct support on her current sold-out arena tour, indicating a continued presence in live performance. His transition to independence after six years with Arista Records signifies a deliberate shift to prioritize creative autonomy and personal meaning over industry-defined scale and momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did JP Saxe cancel his tour?
JP Saxe canceled his tour approximately one year ago due to low ticket sales. He chose to be transparent about the reason, explaining it publicly to avoid pretense.
What is JP Saxe’s new album called?
His new album, released as an independent artist, is called “Okay Piano Guy.” It is scheduled to be released on October 23.
What label was JP Saxe previously signed to?
Before becoming an independent artist, JP Saxe spent six years releasing music with Arista Records.
What was JP Saxe’s biggest hit?
JP Saxe is widely known for his hit song “If the World Was Ending,” a 2019 duet with Julia Michaels that earned a Grammy nomination.
