Broke Records: An Independent Label Navigating Success in the Digital Age

Founded in 2023 by Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira, Broke Records is an independent record label, publisher, and distributor headquartered in New York City. The company was built with a clear mission: to support culturally relevant artists through digital marketing, sharp communication, and compelling storytelling. In an industry where major labels still dominate, Broke Records is positioning itself as a serious contender by taking a digital-first, artist-focused approach.

Andre Benz isn’t new to the digital music game. He launched Trap Nation in 2012, a YouTube channel that quickly became one of the most influential platforms for electronic music. Over the years, Trap Nation grew to amass more than 30 million subscribers across YouTube and other platforms. That experience gave Andre a front-row seat to the changing tides of music discovery. It also taught him how to build communities, drive virality, and create meaningful fan engagement — all essential skills he’s brought to Broke Records.

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That online-native background is part of what sets Broke apart. The label operates with the speed and agility of a startup, something Andre says is essential to breaking new artists in the current landscape. “Being reactive, fast, and okay with taking risks — in combination with great music and incredible content marketing — we’re able to consistently show up and help break records and artists on our roster,” he explained.

TikTok, in particular, has become a cornerstone of Broke’s promotional playbook. The platform’s power to turn a song into a viral sensation overnight aligns perfectly with the label’s nimble approach. Broke doesn’t just chase trends — they spot them early, create content that resonates, and capitalize on momentum before others catch on. That ability to ride (and sometimes create) digital waves has helped the label cultivate a loyal and engaged online following.

At the heart of Broke’s philosophy is a commitment to artist autonomy. The label’s roster includes forward-thinking acts like bbno$, RJ Pasin, and Kenzie C — all of whom value creative control and ownership. Broke’s model is attractive to artists who want to avoid the traditional industry trade-offs between reach and freedom. By providing marketing muscle without stifling creativity, the label has become a haven for artists who want both exposure and independence.

In early 2025, Broke scored one of its biggest wins yet: the signing of genre-blurring artist Sevdaliza through its partnership with Create. Her single “Maria Magdalena” is slated for release in March 2025. She also inked a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, a sign that the industry is taking notice. Sevdaliza’s track “Alibi,” featuring Pabllo Vittar and Yseult, has reportedly surpassed 500 million streams and earned a gold certification, although third-party confirmation of that status is still pending. Regardless, the song’s success stands as a major milestone for Broke — proof that independent infrastructure can support major hits.

These achievements underscore a broader shift in the industry. Independent labels like Broke are not just surviving — they’re thriving, and in doing so, they’re pressuring major labels to evolve. Andre sees this momentum as a sign that the old rules no longer apply. “There’s never been a better time in the industry for independents and opportunities,” he said. It’s a bold claim, but Broke’s track record suggests he might be right.

Looking ahead, Broke has plans to expand its team in 2025, with a focus on building out its marketing, creative, and operations departments. The goal is clear: to better support their artists while maintaining the flexibility that defines them. Andre’s advice to others in the space? “Stick to your vision, see it out, and be patient and relentless.” It’s that mindset — equal parts hustle and heart — that continues to drive Broke’s evolution.

For now, Broke Records remains firmly independent, open to strategic partnerships but not interested in selling out. The label’s team believes that staying nimble and mission-driven is what gives them an edge. Through smart digital engagement, content-first strategy, and unwavering support for artist vision, Broke is proving that you don’t need major-label backing to make major-label moves.

In a fast-changing industry, Broke Records isn’t just adapting — it’s setting the pace.

SPIN Magazine newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.

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