Independent music and labels have always been the life-blood of the industry. Of the 41 artists featured on the first ballot of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, 39 of them started at independent labels. In the late 80s, while the music industry was living the last part of its renaissance, major labels once again turned to independent music for its future. The results: a sonic revolution that changed the sound of popular music, and the music industry forever. This discussion will look at the history of the major label/independent label relationship, with a focus on the time period during the 80s when the majors decided to take meaningful chances on the crazy underground sounds of the post-punk era. And with Arcade Fire winning a Grammy this year, we will ponder the future of the “underground” artist.
http://schedule.sxsw.com/events/event_MP990197
