"Today, big music can seem like the only game in town and many newcomers think the only way into the industry is "getting signed", getting a "recording contract" or "record deal". Musicians working locally cheerfully call themselves unsigned, unpublished, semi-pro, amateur, etc. rather than what they are. But these DIY and indie acts are the music industry every bit as much as the majors. Maybe more so. Although mainstream TV and radio is dominated by major label acts, a 2004 survey found over 4,500 live music events in the UK every day (1.7 million a year, MORI poll). Compare that with TV. The mass and diversity of local acts puts the handful of bland national icons in perspective. There's a lot more happening outside the media bubble. But the influence of big business gets attention, and it's easy to forget that what's happening in music isn't what's happening on MTV, Radio One or in the charts."[LOVEMYFLASH]
