oh, don't move on yet! i just thought of something.

i'm not using the generic word "mainstream" because it means so little. i'm going to use the terms "Major Record Labels" and "Independent Labels". major labels put albums in all record stores, in wal-mart, in circuit city, in k-mart, on amazon. indie labels have limited distribution to record stores and sell mostly through catalogue or at shows.

at the major label, millions of dollars are poured into an album in the hopes that it will turn out a huge profit for the label. decisions are calculated in order that the widest profit margin may be attained.

at the indie label, thousands of dollars are spent on an album in the hopes that it will at least recoup its losses. decisions are made based on what's best for the band.


i'm not going to argue if either side is right or wrong, or why one is better than the other. you know where i stand. but that's the way it is, and thats one reason some people embrace the underground.