Mark Hasty has a great post following up on yesterday's Don Henleyfest.
I should have mentioned Fugazi myself; their music isn't really to my taste, but they're solid proof that a band can make a living without either radio airplay or a record company. Just imagine what a band with a loyal and exponentially larger following (Rush would be a great example) could do if they decided to "self-publish."
Another great group you should check out. Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers. azpeacemakers.com Long story short, Roger Clyne was in a one hit wonder band (The Refreshments "Bandidos") that got screwed over. The band broke up and he went back to Arizona. After mulling around he got some friends together and created his latest band, without a label. In fact, they actively avoid getting a major record label deal. They sell most of their CDs on their website and put on incredible live shows! I saw them recently in Denver (at the Gothic) supporting their newest release "Americano", which is currently listed as the #1 internet alblum. Have a listen, you will not be disappointed.
I'm not as much of a Fugazi fan as I was 10 years ago, which may have something to do with my rightward shift over the past couple of years. But I still see them when they play in my town because they put on an excellent show. Besides, I have so much admiration for how they've built a successful business on their own terms.
Fugazi rocks. And you can still appreciate the music even if you are on the right side of the aisle.
Bands that have done well without major label support/radio/huge marketing campaigns...
Ani Defranco (benefits from a good distro deal)
Natalie Merchant (just released a folk album on her own label, selling great)
Roger Cline (as mentioned above)
Fugazi (the whole Dischord label included)
There are lots of bands that do great without major support from the corporate music machine. But then again, they don't have Don's ego or emptied well of talent to carry around with them.
Fred
