Stephen Sanchez has called off his upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand, sharing a lengthy statement that also criticized what he described as today’s “pornographic” pop music culture.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter shot to international fame after his debut album Angel Face found a massive audience on TikTok, driven by tracks including High and Until I Found You.
However, the American artist announced on Instagram on Tuesday that he would no longer be heading Down Under, following the chart struggles of his second album, Love, Love, Love.
“I’m sitting in an airport trying to express feelings that need so much context and so many details for everyone to understand in full,” he wrote at the start of the post.
Sanchez also recognized that the decision would leave many fans upset, especially those who had already arranged flights and hotel stays in order to attend the Australia and New Zealand shows.
“I’m truly sorry for that. I imagine the frustration and confusion will continue, as the unannounced US tour will also not be happening this year,” he added.
Viral musician Stephen Sanchez, 23, has cancelled his Australian and New Zealand tour in a lengthy post that takes aim at modern ‘pornographic’ pop music
‘I am also truly sorry for that. This part I can’t make everyone understand. I spent the majority of 2025 working on Love, Love, Love,’ he added.
Stephen went on to explain the time he spent working on his new album was plagued with ‘never-ending conflict, stress, anxiety, and overall deeply negative energy’.
He said the experience he had recording Love, Love, Love, which released in May, ‘absolutely ruined this music for me’.
‘It affected me so much that I wanted to quit making music altogether,’ he continued.
‘Instead, I went on to do the EU/UK tour because I thought it would change my feelings toward this album. It unfortunately did not.’
Stephen went on to thank his fans and explain he felt happiest ‘to see my friends and family outside of a green room’ and ‘find purpose in making music again’.
The singer then went on to take aim at the current generation of pop music and the effect social media has had on the music industry.
‘What made things even more discouraging for me was hearing some of the popular music that was coming out during the time I was working on this album,’ he wrote.
Join the discussion
Has pop music become too sexualized, or is Stephen Sanchez just out of touch with today’s culture?
The American pop star has cancelled his Down Under tour via Instagram on Tuesday after his second album Love, Love, Love underperformed on the charts
The singer took aim at the current generation of pop music and the effect social media has had on the music industry
‘Music that people were somehow getting bought into everyday,’ he added.
‘Disgusting, heavily pornographic lyrics, nothing driving people to do anything, to see anything differently in a way that helps others along.
‘So much of it felt dividing or shallow or filled with lust, not love. “But it’s catchy.” Music needs to do better.
‘What’s said is so important, what we leave behind is so important. It left me feeling so depressed as an artist.’
Stephen went on to say he felt disheartened over discovering that his success relied heavily on ‘being on social media everyday’.
‘Sharing every piece of themselves with the world. Being a “musical influencer”. Doing something shocking in their look or their writing,’ he added.
‘Having things “go viral” every waking second in order to have anyone “in your corner” trust or even listen to your artistic vision. I’m so sick of that.
‘I’m done with that. I’m going to make the art that I want to make and promote it in a way that feels restful for me.’
Fans flocked to the comments of the post, with many left disgruntled by Stephen’s message while others voiced their support
The singer-songwriter became a global sensation when his debut album Angel Face gained traction on TikTok with songs like High and Until I Found You
Stephen finished by saying he would return to music ‘when I feel that I’ve created that space for myself’.
Fans flocked to the comments of the post, with many left disgruntled by Stephen’s message.
‘You do you and let other people do what they want. Stop whining,’ one person wrote, as another added: ‘What kind of explanation is that.’
‘Soooo you’re taking a dig at Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan and women who make music that’s sex positive. Got ittttt,’ a third commented.
‘Ticket sales were low for sure,’ someone else theorised.
‘Shut up your album flopped just accept it. You got popular with the genre of music from your first album and then you abandoned that and wonder why nobody is listening to your new s***? This literally happens to artists all the time. Try again,’ another fumed.
However, plenty of fans shared their support for Stephen and his decision to take a step back from touring.
‘Do what you gotta do, we will be here when you return. Protect your peace!’ one fan said.
‘Much love!! You will always be one of my favourite concerts attended because of the beauty in your lyrics!’ another wrote.
‘Love your music! You do what you need to do. We aren’t going anywhere,’ one user commented.
‘You are so right. Too much music is destructive in nature. Your music is love and light. Stay strong,’ one fan agreed.
