Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado has launched a brand new independent record label, Nelstar. The 30-year-old “Maneater” star has teamed up with an existing Canadian group, Last Gang Labels, to distribute Nelstar releases.

“Nelly is an independent spirit, and she wants to make sure we build the band at the right pace,” says Chris Taylor, president of Last Gang and Furtado’s long-time attorney. “It’s also very important to launch a band with indie branding behind them and be able to build them brick by brick.”

First signing to Nelstar is Toronto-based electro act Fritz Helder & the Phantoms, who’ll release their debut in July. Two of the band members tour with Furtado as back-up dancers.

Furtado says she never considered bringing Nelstar under the umbrella of Interscope, who she is signed to, admitting she’s excited to sign more acts.

 “I think that it’s best to start off an indie,” said Furtado. “When you are a new band and you sign to a major, you get thrown to the fire. Plus, I always secretly wanted to be an indie artist. When I was a teenager, I loved Ani DiFranco and hoped I could do something like that. A major turned out to be my destiny, but I’m enjoying reconnecting with the indie world.”