You need to rely on a record label in order to be successful in the music industry, right? Not so fast. Increasingly, unsigned artists and even established stars are finding that they would rather do it on their own terms. Artists have found that they don't need to relinquish control of their music and careers in order to sell albums and allow their music to be heard. According to a recent Rolling Stone article, this trend has been popularized by even such popular and diverse groups as Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, and the Eagles.
As the article states, "a growing group of musicians [have] discovered they can put out music, connect with fans and earn more money while not working with a major record company." Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan even likened the experience of working with a label to "purgatory."
Why is now an easier time than ever to succeed without a label? For one thing, there is a proliferation of companies that are now looking to partner with such bands, like the partnership that Wal-Mart has established with acts including the Eagles and Journey.
Wal-Mart was willing to pay the bands more than a label would have, in exchange for being the exclusive provider of the album. Bands are also able to sell albums from their own website, as Nine Inch Nails did with their album Year Zero. And the popularity of sites as Myspace and Youtube has provided an outlet for musicians - especially emerging ones - to reach listeners. Being an independent artist has never looked quite so appealing.
Dolly Parton may be one of the queens of Country Music but she's also an Independent artist and IMTV has the privilege of airing her video "Shinola" on what may be it's first non-country oriented video show. Of course, we're not non-country - IMTV tries to cover all different genres and bring you the best of the independent music world in general.
We support all types of music and try to bring styles together to expand the viewer ship beyond genre boundaries. In the future we may air videos in genre specific spots but for now this format seems to really be working for the show. Dolly gives IMTV the chance to show that big named artists are taking that jump to independent - just like NIN and The Eagles.
Once in a while you find that special performer. Talent, looks, class and a desire to be the best they can be. IMTV has been very lucky to get to know Lucy Walsh, daughter of Joe Walsh of The Eagles fame. Recently she sent along video promos for IMTV, supporting us and the artists we show.
Lucy has been great with us here at IMTV. She sent along a personal message to use on the show that just shows how much she supports independent music. We can't say enough good things about her! IMTV hopes that some of the other bands they've had the privilege to air follow suit and send along their personal messages.
