^Nothing to do with independence. They are still manged by AKS and they still have their separate companies to represent them. They have different recording labels because it means someone else to pay the bills. xD
Anyways a-nation??? Awesome!!
Have y'all seen the covers for Everyday?
http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/akb48/#release
http://www.girlsnews.tv/18907
Acchan looks gorgeous!!