A Bold Pivot: The Chainsmokers Launch Secondhand Happiness
The electronic music landscape is witnessing a significant shift as The Chainsmokers embark on a fresh journey. After more than a decade of dominating the airwaves, the duo has officially transitioned into independent artistry, launching their own imprint, Secondhand Happiness. This departure from their long-term home at Disruptor Records-a subsidiary of Sony Music-is being celebrated with the release of their latest track, “Baby,” arriving this Friday.
Reflecting on an Iconic Partnership
The duo’s rise to superstardom was inextricably linked to their 11-year tenure with Disruptor Records and their former manager, Adam Alpert. Since formalizing their partnership in 2015, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart evolved from viral remixers into a global phenomenon. Their catalog, featuring massive hits such as “Closer,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” and “Something Just Like This,” has amassed billions of streams, secured Grammy recognition, and cemented their status as festival headliners.
The transition toward independence was a gradual process, culminating in the quiet dissolution of their management ties with Alpert in 2025. This move mirrors a growing trend in the music industry where established acts-much like artists such as Frank Ocean or Radiohead in years past-choose to reclaim creative control and ownership of their master recordings to navigate the digital streaming era on their own terms.
The Road Ahead: Creative Freedom
In a statement regarding this transition, the duo expressed deep appreciation for their former team, noting, “After 11 amazing years, we are now independent artists. We are eternally grateful to our incredible team at Columbia/Disruptor for a decade plus of hard work that has resulted in unimaginable success.”
For fans, this change signals a new creative philosophy. The Chainsmokers have emphasized that they are entering this chapter with a focus on experimentation and spontaneity. By removing the traditional constraints of a major label, the duo aims to release music that feels more authentic to their current artistic vision. As they put it, they are eager to “have fun and experiment” with their upcoming projects, promising their dedicated fanbase that they are ready to deliver a fresh wave of records.
