Indie music
From WWR
Indie music (independent music) is created by artists who control the rights to how and where their music is distributed. They have the right to let Whole Wheat Radio play their music - and send fans their way to purchase CDs - without us having to pay airtime royalties to their record company. 'Major' artists that are household names are generally not indie artists - and WWR does not play their music.
One of the problems with the term 'indie' music, particularly on the web, is that it's associated with either hardcore rock genres or badly produced CDs from amateurs. Many adults, after getting their first taste of indie music, vow to avoid it in the future. WWR generally does not air music in the hardcore punk genres. Listeners tend to cull the badly produced amateur music from the music library via their rankings. What's left is some truly outstanding music created by talented artists.
The type of indie music WWR plays can be addicting. Once you've spent some time listening to the variety and honesty of 'real' people making music it's almost imposible to go back to listening to white-bread major label music.
Many people consider any non-RIAA artists to be independent artists.
