I hate the word "independent" used in a genre. What so independant about there music?
Most of these Indie rock bands are part of a small label, plus its not like they would sign a multi-million dollar record contract if it was presented to them. Ex. White Stripes, and the rest of the current oh so indie "the" bands.
The only
true indie band is the String Cheese Incident. These guys toured in there shitty school bus, building up a fan base, and then started there OWN, not part of a major label, record company. Its only till' there recent ablum that they actually took on a producer. They have 100% creative control and even have there own ticket distribution company, who is at the moment suing the shit out of Ticketbastard
. They don't get allot of air-play or any BS on MTV, but they sell out most of the venues they have played in. Which is something allot of these "top acts" can't even do.
I really don't like there music, but they have my respect for what they have accomplished.