When you hear the phrase “independent artist”, you think of a musician doing their own thing. There is no big record label calling the shots. No contracts with giants like Capitol or Atlantic, or even their smaller side labels. Just pure creative freedom.
Independent artists run the whole show. They decide what kind of music to make, how to promote it, and when to drop it. Sounds cool, right? But here is the catch: they also pay for everything themselves. Yes, that includes studio time, production, and marketing - it all comes out of their own pocket. Still, there is a big upside. Since there is no label to take a huge cut, indie musicians keep more of the money from streams, merch, and shows. That freedom? Totally worth it for a lot of artists.
In addition to this, record deals are not always as dreamy as they sound. There are tons of stories about artists who signed contracts, only to be shelved for years. Some never even got to release music officially. But when you are independent, you are the boss. Want to drop three songs in a week? Go for it. Want to tour only in your hometown? Your call. You spend more upfront, but you gain total control and keep way more of the rewards. The industry is also filled with some of the most successful artists who are independent. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 most successful independent artists!
1. Taylor Swift
Net worth - $1.3 billion
First Record Label - Big Machine Records
Recent Album - ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ (2024)
Taylor Swift is straight-up one of the most successful independent artists on the planet. She took control of her music and her masters. Taylor Swift’s journey shows just how far talent and determination can take you. She started her career in 2006 by signing with a small independent label, Big Machine Records. That is where she released her first album and began building her fan base. Over the years, Taylor has become one of the most successful artists in the world. She has sold over 50 million albums and 150 million singles globally. She is also a Grammy favorite, winning multiple awards, and she is the only artist ever to have three albums sell over a million copies each in their first week. Talk about record-breaking!
In 2014, Taylor left Big Machine and signed with Republic Records, gaining even more control over her music. Her album ‘Reputation’ alone sold over two million copies in its first week, proving her staying power in the industry. Taylor’s rise is proof that independent artists can make it big. She has shown that you do not need a giant label from the start to reach the top; you just need to believe in yourself and stay consistent. If you are an up-and-coming artist, let Taylor’s journey inspire you. Your breakthrough might be just around the corner!
2. Drake
Net worth - $250 million
First Record Label - Young Money Entertainment
Recent Album - ‘Some Sexy Songs 4 U’ (2025)
Another big name in the world of independent music is Drake. He began his journey by releasing mixtapes online, which helped him build a strong and loyal fan base. His early music caught the attention of rapper Lil Wayne. This led to a deal with Young Money Entertainment and marked the beginning of his rise in the industry.
In 2010, Drake released his first studio album and quickly became one of the most talked-about artists. He didn’t slow down. Album after album, Drake kept delivering hits. One of his biggest successes was ‘Views’, which dropped in 2016. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold over a million copies in its first week. While he signed with a label, Drake has always stayed in control of his career. He later launched his own label, OVO Sound. That gave him the freedom to shape his music and brand on his own terms. Drake’s journey shows how independent artists can build a global career. He is a great example of how you can start from scratch and make smart choices. However, what is the most inspiring thing about his journey is that he still has creative control while reaching the top. His success proves that independence and mainstream fame can go hand in hand.
3. Adele
Net worth - $220 Million
First Record Label - XL Recordings
Recent Album - ‘30’ (2021)
Adele is another powerful example of an independent artist who made it big without help from a major record label in the beginning. She started her music career in 2008 when she released her first album. The album quickly became a commercial success and introduced her unique voice to the world. Her second album, ‘21’, turned her into a global superstar. It sold over 30 million copies worldwide and won several Grammy Awards. Many fans and critics see it as one of the best albums of all time. The songs on ‘21’ touched people everywhere with their raw emotion and powerful lyrics.
Adele kept up the momentum with her next release, ‘25’. That album was also another massive hit. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than three million copies in just the first week. This made her one of the best-selling artists in history. What makes Adele’s story special is how she stayed true to her sound. She focused on her music and her message. Her journey proves that with real talent and strong dedication, independent artists can reach the very top. Adele showed that you do not need a giant label behind you to make an unforgettable impact in the music world.
4. The Beatles
Net worth - N/A
The Beatles are no longer active as a band. But individually -
Paul McCartney: Estimated $1.2 billion
Ringo Starr: Estimated $350 million
John Lennon: $400 million
George Harrison: $800 million
First Record Label - EMI
Recent Album - The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono’ (2024)
The Beatles are one of the most successful independent artists in music history. They are a name that can never be left out of the conversation. At the start of their career, a small independent label called EMI gave them their first record deal. In 1963, they released their debut album ‘Please Please Me’. It became a huge success and quickly hit number one on the UK charts. That album marked the beginning of their rise to global fame. After that, the band continued to release hit after hit. Albums like ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ and ‘Abbey Road’ are now considered classics. Their music was fresh and different. It changed the way people saw pop and rock music.
The Beatles officially broke up in 1970. But their impact did not end there. Their songs are still loved by people of all ages. Their albums continue to sell millions of copies even decades later. New generations keep discovering their music and becoming fans. What makes The Beatles stand out is not just their fame but also their influence. The band showed that independent artists could lead a music revolution. Their journey is proof that talent and creativity can take artists to incredible heights without needing a huge label behind them.
5. Garth Brooks
Net worth - $430 Million
First Record Label - Capitol Records
Recent Album - ‘Time Traveler’ (2023)
Garth Brooks is, without a doubt, one of the most successful country music artists of all time. He started his journey by signing with Capitol Records, which was an independent label at the time. In 1989, he released his first album. It quickly gained attention and became a commercial success. Fans loved his mix of classic country with a modern style, and it helped him stand out in the music world. His second album was 'No Fences', which took things to the next level. It sold over 17 million copies around the world and included some of his most famous songs. This album made Garth Brooks a household name and one of the top country stars of his generation.
He did not stop there. Brooks has kept making music and finding success. His album ‘The Ultimate Collection’ debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It sold over two million copies in just the first week of its release. That is a huge achievement for any artist, let alone an independent artist without any professional backup from a major record label. Garth Brooks has also won multiple Grammy Awards over the years. He is one of the best-selling artists ever. His story proves that starting with an independent label does not limit your future. With talent and hard work, independent artists can also reach the top of the music industry and stay there for decades.
6. Barbra Streisand
Net worth - $400 Million
First Record Label - Columbia Records
Recent Album - ‘Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway’ (2016)
Barbra Streisand is one of the most successful independent artists in music history. She started her career after signing with Columbia Records. At that time, it was considered an independent label. Her journey began in 1963 when she released her first album titled ‘The Barbra Streisand Album’. It was a big hit and quickly became a commercial success. The album went on to sell more than two million copies around the world.
Barbra continued to grow her music career over the years. Her voice and style made her stand out. She stayed true to herself and built a strong connection with her fans. Her most recent album, ‘Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway’, also showed how strong her influence still is. It sold over three million copies in the first week and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Along with her music success, Streisand has won many Grammy Awards. Her long-lasting career is proof that independent artists can achieve amazing things. She showed that starting with a smaller label does not stop you from reaching the top. Barbra’s story is an inspiration for anyone who wants to follow their passion and succeed in the music industry on their own terms.
7. Dolly Parton
Net worth - $650 Million
First Record Label - Mercury Records
Recent Album - ‘Rockstar’ (2023)
Dolly Parton began her music journey by signing with a small independent label called Mercury Records. Though it seemed like a good move at first, things did not go as planned. That early decision ended up being a tough lesson for her and one she later called one of the hardest of her life. Still, Dolly did not give up. In 1967, she released her debut album and started to turn things around. The album did well and helped her gain attention in the country music world. Then came her next album, ‘Hello, I’m Dolly, which was an even bigger success. It sold over two million copies worldwide and helped her become a rising star in the industry.
Dolly kept making music and growing her fan base. Over the years, she built a strong name for herself not just as a singer but also as a songwriter and businesswoman. Her recent album is ‘Pure & Simple’, which proved she still had the magic. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and reminded everyone why Dolly is a legend. She is a true example of a successful independent artist. Dolly stayed in control of her music and her image. She worked hard, stayed authentic, and turned early setbacks into lifelong success. Her story shows that independent artists can build lasting careers on their own terms. They just need the heart and persistence.
8. Elvis Presley
Net worth - $20 Million
First Record Label -
Recent Album - ‘Moody Blue’ (1977)
Elvis Presley is one of the most successful and iconic music artists of all time. He began his journey in the music industry by signing with a small independent label called Sun Records. At the time, Sun Records was not a major player in the industry. But it gave Elvis the chance to share his talent with the world. Elvis released his debut album in 1956, and it quickly became a huge hit. Fans loved his unique style and energy. Soon after, he released his second album, simply titled ‘Elvis’. This album was even more successful and sold over one million copies around the world. His music reached people everywhere and helped shape the future of rock and roll.
Even years later, his music still makes waves. His album ‘The Wonder of You’ was released posthumously and became another major success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over two million copies in the first week. This proves that Elvis’s influence is still strong today. Throughout his career, Elvis won several Grammy Awards and earned his place as one of the best-selling artists in history. He started with a small label and turned his passion for music into a global legacy. His story is a great example of how independent artists can rise to the top through hard work and talent. If you are an aspiring artist, Elvis’s journey is a reminder to never give up. Keep working on your craft and believe in yourself. You never know how far your dreams can take you.
9. Celine Dion
Net worth - $550 Million
First Record Label - Epic Records
Recent Album - ‘Courage’ (2019)
Like many other successful independent artists, Celine Dion started with very little. She began her music career by signing with a small independent label called Epic Records. Although Epic Records was not a major label, it played a key role in launching her music career. Celine’s rise to fame began in 1992 when she released her debut English-language album. That same year, she followed it with another hit album called ‘The Colour Of My Love’. Both albums were major successes. ‘The Colour Of My Love’ especially stood out, selling more than nine million copies worldwide. Her strong vocals and emotional songs connected with people everywhere.
Over the years, Celine continued to build her career. She stayed focused on her music and grew a huge fan base across the world. Her album ‘Encore un Soir’ proved she still had a powerful presence in the music scene. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over three million copies in the first week. Celine Dion is a true example of a successful independent artist. She worked hard from the beginning and stayed true to her talent and passion throughout her career. Her strong passion for the craft and dedication helped her earn lasting success in the industry as an independent artist.
10. Elton John
Net worth - $599 Million
First Record Label - DJM Records
Recent Album - ‘The Lockdown Sessions’ (2021)
Elton John began his music career by working with a small independent label called DJM Records. He released his debut album in 1969. It quickly became a commercial hit and helped him get noticed in the music world. His second album was ‘Elton John’, which became an even bigger success. It sold over eight million copies around the world and included some of his most well-known songs. Over the years, Elton kept building his career and winning fans with his unique voice, strong piano skills, and emotional songs. His music connected with people of all ages. He stayed true to his style and kept control of his work. This helped him stand out as an independent artist. Even after decades in the music business, Elton John is still going strong. His album ‘Wonderful Crazy Night’ debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than two million copies in its first week. He has also won many Grammy Awards and is known as one of the greatest music artists of all time. Elton’s journey proves that independent artists with talent and dedication can build a lasting and successful career.
The first step as an independent artist is to stay true to your roots and original style. This is what comes naturally to you, and this is what will help you shine in the industry. As the list proves, you do not really need a major record label backing you up to be successful. So, keep grinding and promote yourself!
