As America comes together on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day, it’s fitting to honor the spirit of independence not only in the country’s history but also in the music industry. Here, we highlight five of the biggest independent artists whose careers embody the essence of creative freedom and self-reliance.
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Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is one of the most eclectic artists of our time. Acclaimed for his artistry and unconventional approach to music, he has made waves in the industry without the backing of a major label. After leaving Def Jam, Ocean self-released his groundbreaking album “Blonde” in 2016, which received critical acclaim and commercial success. His ability to maintain creative control while delivering profound, genre-defying music has set him apart. Being independent also means keeping an eye on numbers, and Ocean does just that: “I need to know how many records I’ve sold, how many album equivalents from streaming, which territories are playing my music more than others, because it helps me in conversations about where we’re gonna be playing shows, or where I might open a retail location, like a pop-up store or something,” he once said.
Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper is a pioneer in the independent music scene, achieving massive success without signing to a major label. His mixtape “Coloring Book,” released in 2016, made history as the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy. Chance’s innovative approach has redefined how artists can succeed in the digital age. His efforts extend beyond the music industry, including strong community involvement in Chicago. Chance has always been independent since his first releases and still maintains his status in 2024 to be free to share his own vision. In a recent interview, he explained the difference between collaborating with him and artists signed to labels: “The cool thing about collaborating with me, versus collaborating with artists that are on a record label, is that beyond the 50% royalty split between masters and publishing, there’s also a 50% split between the label and the artist on that master royalty. For me, if I do a song, I’m my own label…. So, if you ask me for 15% of the artist net, you’re getting 15% of 50%. As opposed to 15% of 15%.”
Tinashe
Tinashe’s journey as an independent artist has been marked by resilience and versatility. After parting ways with RCA Records, she released her album “Songs for You” independently in 2019, which was praised for its eclectic mix of R&B, pop, and electronic influences. Tinashe has embraced the freedom to explore different musical styles and maintain control over her creative direction. “Not taking no for an answer when people don’t understand you, and to push forward,” she said in an interview with Glass Magazine, “I think that being independent and still continuing to put out high-quality art is demonstrative of that.” The star, who is seeing newfound success with her viral hit “Nasty,” is now gearing up to release her fourth album—“Quantum Baby”—as an independent artist.
Macklemore
Macklemore, alongside producer Ryan Lewis, achieved global fame with their independent release “The Heist” in 2012, featuring hits like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us.” The album’s success, including four Grammy Awards, demonstrated the potential for independent artists to rival major label counterparts. Macklemore’s work often tackles social issues, reflecting his commitment to authenticity and social change. Shortly after the release and the success of “Thrift Shop,” Macklemore explained the importance of being independent: “It’s what you always hope for in terms of picking the independent path. It’s cool to see that that’s been a focal point. It’s not just ‘Thrift Shop’; it’s this kind of do-it-yourself attitude behind the music we’ve made—that is also within the midst of this thrift shop song. That these two dudes chose to go independently, to turn down the labels. That the music industry is changing. That it’s evolving.”
Clairo
Clairo released her first two albums, “Immunity” and “Sling,” through Fader and Republic labels respectively. The Atlanta singer is now turning her career in a new direction. In fact, her new album “Charm,” which is dropping in one week, marks her first release as an independent artist, and we are eager to support her in this new chapter of her career.
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