Clairo Signs to Atlantic Records: ‘I Can Continue to Be as Expressive and Free With My Ideas’

Indie music standout Claire Cottrill, known professionally as Clairo, has entered a new chapter in her career by signing a record deal with Atlantic Records. The move follows the release of three acclaimed studio albums that established her as a singular creative force in modern pop. Cottrill, who hails from Massachusetts, first garnered attention with her 2018 debut EP “Diary 001,” initially put out by Fader Label.

Her subsequent albums—“Immunity” (2019), “Sling” (2021), and last year’s “Charm”—demonstrated both her artistic evolution and her commitment to independence; “Charm” was released via her own imprint, Clairo Records. Now, she joins the storied roster of Atlantic Records, a label founded in 1947 with a history of nurturing groundbreaking talent from Aretha Franklin to Bruno Mars. This partnership signals a new level of industry backing while honoring Clairo’s reputation for thoughtful, self-directed work.

In a statement, Clairo shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Atlantic has shown nothing but respect for my vision. It’s empowering to partner with a team that values artistic freedom as much as I do.” Elliot Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, echoed the sentiment, remarking, “Clairo’s voice is unmistakable—she captures something essential about her era. We’re honored to help amplify her music.”

Her most recent album, “Charm,” created in collaboration with producer Leon Michels, proved both a critical and commercial success. It earned Clairo her first Grammy nomination, for Best Alternative Music Album, and was supported by a series of intimate residencies and a well-received fall tour. The album’s cultural impact was further underscored when Senator Bernie Sanders introduced her performance at Coachella 2024—a moment that reflected her widening influence beyond the music world. As industry observer Lena Choi noted, “Signing with Atlantic isn’t a surrender of independence—it’s a strategic expansion. This could bring Clairo’s nuanced songwriting to broader audiences while preserving the intimacy that defines her work.”