Why independent music matters, another part in a series...

First, I'd like to say something about labeled music. Labels, large and small, are a good thing. They contain thousands of great people who are working their fingers to the bone for listeners and artists. Labels do indispensable tons of work in promotion, distribution, funding, and industry behind-the-scenes stuff. As an indie-indie artist (who must also make a living doing something besides music), I can hardly find 5 minutes to promote myself, much less get out there and beat the bushes, work with suppliers, pay up-front costs, etc. The work a label does is extremely important and has a great deal of value.

But music, the music industry, listeners, artists, and the world around us are all changing and evolving far faster than in the visible past.

I think it is crucial for us all to focus on being be pro-music, pro-listener. That's all that matters in the end. The business stuff will work itself out.