JEWEL performing an acoustic set at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Centre. Thousand Oaks, California - 21.06.05

The Alaskan singer believes it's an "interesting time" not to have a record deal and decided to ditch Atlantic Records as she completes work on a country album, a lullaby project and a series of romantic ballads inspired by COLE PORTER.

She says, "It's a lot harder for (labels) to make their bottom lines, and I think they're trying to... make their money in different ways. And the artist is going to suffer for it.

"So I'm not re-signing right now, 'cause I want to wait and see what the environment is like."

Atlantic bosses are putting together a hits compilation, set for release in 2007, and Jewel says she's using the opportunity to focus on projects that are especially meaningful.

She explains, "I've been wanting to do a country record my whole career and now might be a good time to do it."

Jewel insists she's "writing all the time" and has two other recording projects in the works - a collection of lullabies and an album of original songs written in the style of songwriting legend Porter.

Source: WENN