Being a solo artist is not an easy feat, but some of today’s most successful artists have done just that. From singer-songwriters to rap stars, these performers have broken out into the spotlight on their own and achieved commercial success. In this article we’ll take a look at six breakout stars who are winning over fans worldwide with their impressive solo catalogs.
No matter what genre you like best, there’s something for everyone in this list of artists who have gone it alone and come out ahead. Whether they were part of a group before or decided to go solo from the start, each one has built up a devoted fanbase by consistently releasing high quality music. Let’s jump right in and see which musicians made our list!
Benefits Of Going Solo
Going solo can be a daunting prospect for any artist, but it also offers the opportunity to take control of one’s career and create something entirely unique. There are many benefits that come along with taking this risky step, including increased creative freedom and potential financial rewards.
In addition to having complete autonomy over their artistry, going solo allows artists more time to focus on building an audience without relying on a traditional label or manager. This means they have direct access to listeners who may not have been exposed to them before, allowing their music – and brand – to reach new people around the world. It also gives them the chance to experiment with different genres and topics in order to stand out from the crowd.
Finally, breaking away from the industry standard can mean higher earning potential for those brave enough to go down this path. With no record company taking its cut of profits, individual artists gain full control over how much money they make from streaming services, touring and merchandise sales. The success stories are plentiful – here are just 6 examples of breakout stars that made it big after braving the journey alone:
Profiles Of Breakout Artists
Having gone solo, these artists have achieved incredible success. From chart-toppers to Grammy Award winners, their stories prove that anything is possible when you take control of your own career. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most inspiring breakout stars:
Billie Eilish has become one of the biggest names in music since going it alone. With her signature sound and powerful lyrics, she rose to fame after independently releasing her debut single ‘Ocean Eyes’ back in 2016. Now signed with Interscope Records, Billie has won multiple awards for her albums When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.
Lizzo is another artist who has made waves following an independent start. After self-releasing two studio albums in 2013 and 2015 respectively, Lizzo gained mainstream recognition with the release of Cuz I Love You in 2019 which earned her three Grammy Awards including Best Pop Solo Performance for ‘Truth Hurts’. Her signature style – combining rap and soulful vocals with upbeat melodies – continues to draw listeners from all over the world.
The indie route also allowed Chance The Rapper to forge his own path within hip hop without ever having been part of a major label deal. Releasing mixtapes such as 10 Day (2012), Acid Rap (2013) and Coloring Book (2016), he quickly became known for his unique fusion of gospel sounds and lyrical storytelling prowess. His efforts were rewarded in 2017 when he became the first streaming-only artist to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with Coloring Book – cementing himself as one of music’s top talents today.
These are just 3 examples among many other musicians who have found huge success by taking creative control of their careers through self-publishing their work independently or signing small record deals with smaller labels. It goes to show that determined individuals can make it big even without industry support – ultimately proving that hard work pays off no matter what path you choose!
Conclusion
Going solo can be a difficult decision for an artist, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Many artists have had incredible success as solo acts, and their stories are inspiring to aspiring musicians everywhere. By taking control of your career and making decisions that benefit you directly, you may find yourself experiencing the same kind of breakout success these six artists have achieved. So take the leap if you feel ready—you never know where it might lead!
Ultimately, going solo is about having faith in oneself and one’s abilities. It takes courage to trust in our dreams and pursue them with confidence, no matter how uncertain the outcome may seem. These successful soloists show us that hard work and dedication pay off—and by doing things on our own terms, we can make amazing things happen for ourselves. I encourage any musician or creative out there who is considering this route to go for it; you could be the next big star!
When you think of today’s most successful R&B solo artists, you may sometimes forget their humble beginnings. Many originally started out as members of a singing group before they took a leap of faith, and pursued careers of their own. Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite R&B stars, and how it all began:
R. Kelly: Mr. Robert Kelly was a member of Public Announcement before he pursued a solo career in 1993. Nine hit albums and three Grammys later, it might have been the best decision he ever made.
Bobby Brown: New Edition certainly was a highly admired pop group, but group member Bobby Brown experienced comparable success when he made his solo run in 1987. He even became the pioneer of New Jack Swing which was a combination of hip hop and R&B.
Beyonce: We don’t have to say much about “Sasha Fierce” except that her start as lead singer of Destiny’s Child set her up for a multi-platinum solo career that only gets bigger each year. We can’t wait to see what the pop diva does next.
Letoya Luckett: Letoya might have begun her singing career as an original member of Destiny’s Child, but she definitely didn’t end it there. After being ousted out of the group, Letoya eventually embarked on a solo singing project. Her latest and second solo album, Lady Love, was released last year and debuted at #1 on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart.
Omarion: When teen sensation group B2K hit the scene, they were an instant hit. Lead singer Omarion left the group in 2005 to pursue a solo career. Fast forward five years: Omarion has achieved a great deal and his fan base has expanded to include more than just teenage females.
Lauryn Hill: The Fugees (made up of Wyclef Jean, Pras and Lauryn Hill) were a huge phenomenon in the hip hop world in the mid-1990s. But the bigger phenomenon was Lauryn Hill when she went solo in 1998 and released The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which inspired fans everywhere and ended up winning five Grammy Awards. In April, she reportedly said that she might be working on a sophomore album. It’s been almost ten years, but still we’ll patiently wait.
—— By: Crystal Tate
Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.