Today, big music can seem like the only game in town and
many newcomers think the only way into the industry is “getting
signed”, getting a “recording contract” or “record deal”. Musicians
working locally cheerfully call themselves unsigned, unpublished,
semi-pro, amateur, etc. rather than what they are. But these DIY and
indie acts are the music industry bread and butter and worth every bit
as much as the majors. Maybe more so. Although mainstream TV and radio
is dominated by major label acts, a 2004 survey found over 4,500 live
music events in the UK every day (1.7 million a year, MORI poll).
Compare that with TV. The mass and diversity of local acts puts the
handful of bland national icons in perspective. There’s a lot more
happening outside the media bubble. But the influence of big business
gets attention, and it’s easy to forget that what’s happening in music
isn't what's happening on MTV, Radio One or in the charts.
Independent labels have existed for almost as long as there has been a market for recorded music. Even as the music industry has become more centralised, independent labels have continued to be a significant, if small, part of the overall market. In a number of cases, independent labels have assembled rosters of recording artists that rival those of the majors. The 1960s and 1980s are regarded as having been particularly fruitful periods for independent labels.
Lets not forget Motown and Philadelphia International Records were at one time Indies.