Mitski’s Laurel Hell is the top-selling album in America. The record debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, having been out-streamed by a handful of records including Disney’s Encanto soundtrack. But based on her 24,000 digital and physical figures—including a hefty 17,000 vinyl sales, the year’s highest so far—Mitski is a (sort of) chart topper.
Phil Waldorf, a co-founder of Mitski’s label, Dead Oceans, said in a statement:
An independent artist landing a Top 5 on the Billboard 200 and a number 1 selling album is always an achievement to celebrate, but with Mitski it rings especially true. Mitski is an uncompromising artist and a generational talent, and to see her gain commercial recognition, entirely on her own terms, is an incredible achievement.
This month, Mitski released a video for “Stay Soft,” directed by her occasional collaborator Maegan Houang. Mitski will open for Harry Styles at upcoming European dates before headlining her own tour later in the year. Read Pitchfork’s 2018 interview “Don’t Cry for Mitski.”
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