Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the former Little Mix member, has disclosed that she is personally financing her debut solo album following her departure from her previous record label. The singer, now operating as an independent artist, is set to release her upcoming record titled My Ego Told Me To next month.
Taking Financial Control
With an estimated net worth of £20 million, Leigh-Anne explained the challenges of self-funding her music career. She stated, 'What I would say is hard about it is now I'm my own bank. I don't have a label throwing money at me and I want to do everything. I've got to make that stretch and I'm literally funding everything. It's a lot. I don't want to ever compromise on my artistry.' This move marks a significant shift from her previous label-supported projects, placing her in full control of both the creative and financial aspects of her solo work.
Instagram Revelation
Last month, Leigh-Anne took to Instagram to share a candid video with her 9.7 million followers, detailing the struggles she has faced. In the video, filmed in her lavish walk-in wardrobe, she revealed, 'So, long story short, the label have said no basically. They don't have the budget to put my album out, so I'm ready to take the reigns. It will be a new chapter and I just can't wait. I'm leading this s***.' She accompanied the update with a montage of her solo performances, emphasising her commitment to the project.
Label Departure and Independence
Leigh-Anne initially signed with Warner Records in 2022 after embarking on her solo career. However, earlier this year, she was dropped from the label, prompting her transition to full independence. She is now releasing her music independently through Virgin Music Group, a decision that has allowed her to reclaim autonomy over her artistic direction.
Empowering Message
In her Instagram caption, Leigh-Anne penned an inspiring message to her fans, writing, 'Proof that when you trust and back yourself, doors open. If you needed a sign, this is it. You are capable. You are powerful. Don’t shrink for anyone. You are enough. You always were.' She expressed optimism for the future, adding, 'Here’s to 2026, to my debut solo album My Ego Told Me To, headline tour, more love, more life and more success.'
Allegations of Ghosting
During an appearance on Paloma Faith's Mad Sad Bad podcast, Leigh-Anne lifted the lid on her exit from the label, describing the experience as 'brutal.' She claimed that after a fallout, the label began ghosting her, with the head of the label allegedly hanging up after two rings during a phone call. Leigh-Anne recounted, 'I had a fallout with my label, and basically left them. It was crazy; they weren't responding to us, basically ghosting. It was wild… When you actually deep it, it's like, how could you do that to someone? The head [of the label] actually rang and then exited the call after two rings, so I actually haven’t ever had an explanation.'
Reflecting on Her Solo Career
Reflecting on the situation, Leigh-Anne added, 'When I look back on my early solo career, I was doing good. I don't feel like it was my issue. It was them. All it would have taken was a phone call at least. But yeah that was a really weird period, so I left, went independent the next year.' This candid revelation highlights the often turbulent nature of the music industry and the resilience required to navigate such challenges as an artist.
