Buzz
Discover the real story behind these well-known musicians
An industry plant refers to an artist who portrays themselves as self-made, despite having backing from the music industry or record labels. Artists who rise to fame almost instantly are often labeled as industry plants, even though some may have a lengthy history of work. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this term and highlight a few artists who have faced accusations of being industry plants.
What Does Industry Plant Mean?
An "industry plant" is an artist who falsely claims independence, even though they benefit from the backing of a major record label. Their industry ties typically provide them with exposure and opportunities that are out of reach for most unsigned musicians. These artists often appear to experience sudden fame, despite having a long history of work in the industry.
How to Spot One
What does it mean to be an industry plant?
An industry plant is an artist backed by a major label who presents themselves as entirely self-made. These artists often give off an image of being independent and DIY, but in reality, they are supported by industry connections or record labels that provide them with advantages. Industry plants typically maintain a strong social media presence, collaborate with high-profile figures, and gain access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for truly independent musicians.
- Artists who rise to fame almost overnight are frequently labeled as industry plants, even though some, such as Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, have long-established careers and sizable catalogs. Musicians with polished, studio-quality music often face similar accusations.
- The term originated in the rap community as a way to call out rappers who falsely portrayed their backgrounds in their lyrics.
- Industry plants can build successful careers that help them move past the label, but this typically requires a genuine passion for their craft.
In another sense, an industry plant can also refer to someone who is easily influenced and controlled by the music industry. Influencer and content creator Aaron Makelky suggests that the term is sometimes used to describe individuals who let the industry shape their careers. These people often mimic the style of popular artists in such an overt way that it appears as if they are trying too hard to fit in. For instance, an artist who replicates a well-known artist's beat selection and flow on every track in hopes of achieving similar fame would be seen as an industry plant.
Musicians Accused of Being Industry Plants
Billie Eilish Billie Eilish has faced accusations of being an industry plant due to the support she received from her brother FINNEAS in the early stages of her career. Her breakout song “Ocean Eyes” was written and produced by FINNEAS. After the song gained traction on SoundCloud, FINNEAS helped Billie secure a deal with the A&R company, Platoon, which played a key role in launching her career and signing her to the Darkroom record label.
- FINNEAS is well-connected in the music industry, having performed at the renowned Warped Tour festival with his band, The Slightlys, in the same year “Ocean Eyes” was released.
- FINNEAS has co-written and produced some of Billie’s biggest hits, including “Bad Guy” and “You Should See Me In a Crown.”
Lorde Lorde signed with Universal Music Group in 2009, after being discovered at a talent show at the age of 13. A talent scout from Universal recognized her potential, leading to a contract and a partnership with Joel Little, a former punk-pop musician who helped define her signature sound. This early deal has sparked allegations that Lorde’s success is more about industry connections than natural talent.
- In 2012, Lorde and Little released The Love Club EP, featuring the hit single “Royals.” The track went viral on SoundCloud and quickly launched her into stardom.
- Although her early career was supported by major industry backing, Lorde has earned admiration from fans for her authenticity and passion for music.
Clairo Clairo’s rise to fame came from a viral bedroom-pop song posted on YouTube, a story that adds complexity to the industry plant debate. After the song gained traction, her father, Geoff Cottrill, connected her with Jon Cohen, the co-founder of FADER Magazine, sparking claims that she might be an industry plant.
- Cohen mentored Clairo and helped her sign with the FADER label, catapulting her into the limelight.
- Her father’s deep roots in the music business, including overseeing the launch of RubberTracks–a free recording studio for unsigned artists–during his tenure at Converse, also fuels these accusations.
King Princess The daughter of recording engineer Oliver H. Straus Jr., King Princess grew up in her father’s recording studio. At just 11, she turned down a record deal to retain full creative control, continuing to develop her sound until she signed with Columbia Records’ Zelig label in 2017. Her debut single, “1950,” followed soon after.
- “1950” gained significant media attention, including a notable endorsement from Harry Styles on Twitter (now X).
Drake Drake began his career as an actor on the TV series Degrassi, before transitioning to rap in 2008. His fame from the show has fueled rumors of him being an industry plant. However, in 2009, Drake released his first mixtape, featuring the viral track “Best I Ever Had,” which gained attention on iTunes and led to his signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment.
- Drake’s signing with Young Money opened the door to collaborations with top artists like Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Young Jeezy.
How to Identify an Industry Plant
Investigate how they achieved fame. Understanding their background can reveal if they had the backing of a major label. If they built their following independently without the help of a label, then they likely aren't an industry plant.
Examine their social media presence. This will show whether their lifestyle rapidly changed or if they’ve maintained long-standing connections with labels or industry executives. Some industry plants may tell a 'rags to riches' story, and reviewing their social media history can either confirm or debunk whether they truly made it on their own.
Look at their music catalog. If their songs all have a consistent, polished sound without any noticeable evolution, there’s a chance they’ve always had access to top-tier production resources, vocal coaches, or music industry professionals.
What’s the role of an industry plant?
The primary goal of an industry plant is to drive profit for their label. This is why labels invest so heavily in them, as their success directly translates into financial gain for the label. It is the responsibility of record labels to transform talented artists into stars, which is a critical part of the music industry’s ecosystem. Labels nurture artists they believe have the potential for success, offering guidance, promotion, funding, and career-building opportunities.
- However, this doesn’t mean industry plants exist solely for profit. Despite their label affiliations, they often create music that resonates deeply with audiences.
The Debate Over the Term 'Industry Plant'
Some argue that calling someone an industry plant undermines their achievements. As the term has become more widely used, critics argue that labeling an artist as an industry plant diminishes their success, especially when it's casually applied. For instance, artists like Lil Wayne and Megan Thee Stallion have faced industry plant accusations despite their undeniable talent, hard work, and perseverance.
The term industry plant has been criticized for disproportionately targeting female artists. Over the past decade, the rise of the term has led some to question the career legitimacy of female artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Chappell Roan. However, these claims have been refuted by many, who point to the extensive careers these artists had built before reaching the mainstream spotlight.
Key Insights
It’s common for labels to seek out new talent to promote. Industry plants often receive significant support from their label in the early stages of their career. This is a strategy used by record labels to make profits and launch successful artists. Despite the negative stigma attached to the term, not all industry plants are lacking in authenticity.
- Many industry plants go on to have successful careers, shedding the label with time, but this requires a true passion for music.
