How will you define an independent artist? Well, it does not have a straightforward answer. As defined by Johnathan Waits, an independent artist is someone who backs themselves financially. Perform independently but still stick to a label.
As per, Wikipedia independent music has a do-it-yourself approach when it comes to recording and publishing. Since the 1990s, the number of independent artists has been increasing by the number. One of the chief benefits of being an indie artist is owning 100% of their music.
The only downside is that indie artists often do not have a solid fan base, and hence it is difficult for them to thrive. However, some of these musical artists' net worth can reach up to millions. Let's find out about some of these musical artists whose net worth is somewhere around millions.
Ashanti
Ashanti started becoming popular in the 2000s staple. Some of her popular duets include Ja Rule and other rappers who have churned some chart-topping numbers. The Foolish singer has many countless numbers that have climbed up the charts to the number one slot. Around 2011, Ashanti broke out as an independent artist backed by her label Written Entertainment with eOne Music.
Thanks to many of her collaborations with French Montana, Jeremih, and Rick Ross, her net worth reached around $8 million. Her album reached the 10th position in the Hot Billboard 200 charts. Her song still impacts millions. Ashanti's latest song, "2:35 (I Want You), " is a case in point, which has reached 1 million views on YouTube.
Imogen Heap
English singer Imogen Heap is a popular name in the music scene with electropop music. Her second studio album, Speak for Yourself, was released on Megaphonic Records. The album reached gold status in the United States and Canada. This album spawned her ever-popular song Hide and Seek, which broke several records. The song was back in the music thanks to Jason Derulo, who used Whatcha Say in 2009. Her net worth as of today stands at $ 10 million.
Hanson
The Hanson brothers revved up the pop music scene in the 1990s and notched up $20 Million. Whoever loved Pop music couldn't get the music out of their heads. In 1997, the song reached the number 1 position. The Hanson brothers own the 3CG Records. However, they parted from the label in 2003. However, the Masked Singer contestants had trouble marketing the song Island Def Jam, and the label refused over 80 songs from the brothers, saying the songs lacked marketability.
Macklemore
Macklemore had notched up a net worth of around $25 Million, mainly because of their breakout songs Thrift Shop, Can't Hold Us in 2013. The song had a unique theme as it focussed on shopping at a thrift shop rather than promoting designer brands. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis got Alternative Distribution Alliance (a subsidiary of Warner Music Group) to get the music in the stores.
However, they did not sign a deal with Warner Music Group or any other top labels. The group spread their music by performing at small clubs, and they also made their presence felt on social media, Twitter, YouTube, and Tumblr.
Tech N9ne
Black Walt, the rapper, gave him the name because of his rapping style, much like the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun. Tech N9ne's net worth stands at $18-$20 Million. His net worth is mostly because of his Music sales, merchandise, and touring. Tech N9ne at least top 4 songs are part of the Billboard 200. His Billboard-featuring song remains Hood Go Crazy collaborating with fellow rappers such as B.o.B and 2 Chainz.
Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper's net worth stands at an impressive $25 Million. However, there is still some debate on his authenticity as an independent artist. As per reports, Apple Music gave Chance The Rapper $500,000, two commercials, and empowering position in the premiere placement on the streaming service for performing exclusively in the Grammy Award-winning Coloring Book.
However, the rapper still maintains that he is an independent artist and reiterated that they signed a short-term business deal. However, technically, he still is an independent artist as he has not signed any label yet. He even refused to sign with Kanye West's Good Music when he was offered, so there rests the argument of him being an independent artist.
These indie artists have made the music scene more fun, distinctive, and musical. Here's hoping we get to hear more and more of their music.