Image via Complex Original
In 2015, it may seem like there’s hardly a difference between a major label release and one from a big indie. Sure, artists may still get bigger bonuses and better backing when it comes to the majors, but many of today’s best musicians are happy to sacrifice upfront cash for creative control. Part of the appeal for rappers like MF Doom is that they can experiment and take chances as they see fit. And even buzzy upstarts like Chance the Rapper are eschewing advance cash in order to work with whomever they choose at their own particular pace.
The indie route, more often than not, leads to a special experience in which people of different backgrounds and expertise can come together under one common purpose—to create music that is unique, powerful, and reaches an audience that is equally diverse. The indie option also allows the artist a kind of self-expression that is rarely possible working under a mega-label. For this reason, more than any other, musical artists strive to cultivate the kind of organic awareness required to make an indie release pop—and they work just as hard to protect the freedom that follows. Through their own supportive communities, networks, and collaborators, these seven artists have succeeded with a little help from their friends (that is, not from major labels).
Chance the Rapper
Label(s): None
21-year-old Chancelor Bennett (a.k.a. Chance the Rapper) could have signed with any number of major labels after dropping his Acid Rap mixtape back in 2013. Instead, the Chicago native decided to forgo labels entirely and moved to Los Angeles to make music with a group of friends in the band the Social Experiment. The message here is that, given the talent, you don’t need a label at all—indie or otherwise. While it remains to be seen just how Chance chooses to release his official debut, it’s his music—not his platform—matters.
Trash Talk
Label(s): True Panther, Odd Future
Sacramento punk band Trash Talk came out of a close-knit DIY scene that was all about community. Though they eventually signed to Odd Future (a pairing united philosophically, if not quite sonically), the hardcore band has succeeded on its own terms from the beginning. One of the few prominent punk groups of color, the California crew is all about keeping its sound true and live shows as gnarly as possible.
Dev Hynes
Label(s): Domino, Terrible Records
Dev Hynes, most famous for his Blood Orange project, refuses categorization. He’s a producer, songwriter, and solo artist whose work has gone by a number of different monikers over the years. Regardless of the name, however, he’s remained staunchly independent from the beginning. Hynes’ debut as Lightspeed Champion, Falling Off the Lavender Bridge, was recorded by Saddle Creek regular Mike Mogis, though it was released on the London-based Domino Records (with whom he still works with today). Hynes has also produced and released music with Terrible Records, founded by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor and Ethan Silverman.
Thundercat
Label(s): Brainfeeder
Stephen Bruner (a.k.a. Thundercat) is one of the most technically gifted bassists alive. He’s also one of the most versatile musicians working today, moving from collaborations with Flying Lotus (whose label, Brainfeeder, releases his music) to working with ’80s thrash heroes Suicidal Tendencies. And though he’s done some session playing with major label artist Erykah Badu, his creative sentiment is always wholly independent.
Odd Future
Label(s): Odd Future
O.F.W.G.K.T.A. has come a long way since the group’s first Internet-only releases. Since then, individual members have signed with various major labels and the group has branched out from its early sound. Still, the Odd Future collective remains a paragon of independent success. It’s hard to believe that a Tumblr and some free albums brought Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and the rest of the crew to the world.
MF Doom
Label(s): Metal Face, Nature Sounds, Stones Throw, Lex, Rhymesayers, Elektra, Sub Verse, Fondle 'Em, Big Dada
It’s hard to think of another artist more closely tied to underground hip-hop. Over the years, the London-born, Long Island native has become virtually synonymous with independent rap. 2004’s Mm.. Food dropped on Minneapolis label Rhymesayers while Madvillainy, MF Doom’s collaboration with producer Madlib, was released through L.A. independent hip-hop staple Stones Throw Records. Even his collaboration with Danger Mouse as Dangerdoom, The Mouse and the Mask, came out via the legendary punk rock label Epitaph.
Flying Lotus
Label(s): Plug Research, Warp, Brainfeeder
Not only has Flying Lotus released all of his solo albums on independent labels, he’s built Brainfeeder into one of the most highly respected bastions for experimental music today. FlyLo (a.k.a. Steven Ellison) released his first album via small L.A. indie Plug Research, before moving to British electronic powerhouse Warp. On his own label, Ellison has brought artists like the aforementioned Thundercat to the mainstream, as well as signed the Gaslamp Killer, Lapalux, Mr. Oizo, and more.