Laura Marano is releasing new music for the first time in over two years! Yep, that’s right. The Disney Channel alum, who rose to stardom through her role as the songwriting leady lady in Austin & Ally, is making moves once again with her newly released single, “Me.”

You see, Laura recently took to YouTube to explain why she hasn’t been releasing much music since 2016. Her previous singles “La La” and “Boombox” were such jams, but then she went on a bit of a hiatus. Turns out, she was still creating a ton of new songs – but because of behind-the-scenes complications, she wasn’t able to release music on her own terms. Laura took to Twitter to explain to fans why this took so long and where she hopes her new journey as an independent artist takes her.

“About two years and eight months ago, I released a note announcing I was finally coming out with my first solo single, ‘Boombox.’ It was such a ridiculously exciting moment for me, but it was also really scary. Music has always been one of the most important things to me, but (like a lot of things in my life), I was very private about it. I was scared of the classic things: Was I good enough? Would people like it? I had no idea. But man, I was so happy. I was so excited that I was willing to try not [to] think about all the complications that were already happening with the song. When I posted the note, I didn’t even know when exactly it would be coming out. Behind the scenes stuf was already making the release complicated and a little tense, but I refused to let it get to me. I was releasing music! Nothing could get me down,” the 22-year-old star wrote.

Now, she’s ready for her new era.

She continued, “Today, I am scared again. I’m release music, but this time, I’m doing it as an independent artist. I am my own label, and as someone who has never owned a label before, to say I’m terrified is an understatement. A part of me is even more scared than I was two years ago, but another part of me quite literally couldn’t be happier. I’m releasing music that I love on my own terms. I am sure I’ m not gonna be able to do everything perfectly as an independent artist (which will annoy the perfectionist inside of me to no end), but I get to be in control this time. That means everything to me, and I truly can’t wait for you guys to hear this music.”

But Laura can’t do it alone – she needs her fans to stick with her.

“I need you all to continue to be the incredinly supportive base that you have been for me. Tonight, my little baby Me is out, and if you guys love it, I need you to stream, buy, and spread the word. I used to hate asking for help – I was embarrassed to – but honestly, I’m not anymore. As an independent artist, I could use all the help I can get. Thanks so much for being on this journey with me so far, and just know, it’s only the beginning.”

You go, Laura! Now brb, streaming “Me” on repeat!

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