Pop Duo After Releases New Album After Label Disputes

The band's latest project comes after a tumultuous period of shifting label representation.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:21am

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The American pop duo After, consisting of Graham Epstein and Justine Dorsey, has experienced a trajectory marked by both critical scrutiny and shifts in label representation. After first entered the music scene in 2023 and has since released two extended plays, navigating transitions between labels like 7th Heaven, Ultraworld, and Mom + Pop Music. While the group has found commercial success with singles like 'Deep Diving,' their overall critical reception has been mixed.

Why it matters

The story of After highlights the challenges faced by emerging artists in the music industry, particularly when it comes to maintaining creative control and stable label representation. Their journey reflects broader trends in the pop music landscape, where artists must balance commercial success with critical acclaim.

The details

After first entered the music scene in 2023 with the release of the single 'Something Special,' followed by other tracks like 'In a City Called Garden' and 'The Dove.' Throughout 2024, the duo continued to build their discography with the release of three additional singles: 'Obvious,' 'The Element,' and 'The Story.' On April 4, 2025, the band released their first extended play, titled 'After EP,' through the labels 7th Heaven and Ultraworld. This was followed by the release of their second EP, 'After EP 2,' on October 17, 2025, through Mom + Pop Music. While the group has found commercial success with singles like 'Deep Diving,' the critical response to their work has been mixed, with Pitchfork providing a rating of 4.5/10 for their EPs.

  • After first entered the music scene in 2023 with the release of the single 'Something Special.'
  • Throughout 2024, the duo continued to build their discography with the release of three additional singles: 'Obvious,' 'The Element,' and 'The Story.'
  • On April 4, 2025, the band released their first extended play, titled 'After EP,' through the labels 7th Heaven and Ultraworld.
  • On October 17, 2025, the band released their second extended play, 'After EP 2,' through Mom + Pop Music.

The players

Graham Epstein

One half of the American pop duo After.

Justine Dorsey

One half of the American pop duo After.

7th Heaven

One of the labels that released After's first extended play, 'After EP.'

Ultraworld

One of the labels that released After's first extended play, 'After EP.'

Mom + Pop Music

The label that released After's second extended play, 'After EP 2.'

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The takeaway

The story of After highlights the challenges faced by emerging artists in the music industry, particularly when it comes to maintaining creative control and stable label representation. Their journey reflects broader trends in the pop music landscape, where artists must balance commercial success with critical acclaim.