Dear any band who appears on this list. You are no longer “indie.” The supposed “Independent Online Distribution Alliance” has seen an undisclosed percentage of the company purchased by Sony. Whether it’s just distribution rights or not, this pathetic sell-out to one of the Big Four signifies, perhaps, the final nail in the independent music coffin. I’ve been writing (as many, many other authors have) about the declassification of “indie” as a description for a band for years now. What began as a simple shift in definition, from that of a band whose ideology is rooted in the Do It Yourself ethic, to a sound made by a group of bands that could more-easily be categorized by dumbfuck journalists, has become absolutely laughable. You don’t believe me? Here are several examples I’ve written about detailing just how pathetic this “indie” thing has become:

- The New York Times Magazine Addresses The Fashion Styles Of Four Hot Current Bands
- Sonic Youth Magically Turns Into An Independent Rock Band
- Matador Closes Their Free MP3 Page
- “Indie” Bands Whine About Gas Prices
- Touch & Go’s Cease & Desist Letter
- Entertainment Weekly Tackles The Best “Indie” Records Of All Time

The overlying theory put forth by supporters of this acquisition, people who value IODA as an independent alliance distributing independent music, is that distribution is not the same as ownership, so even if a band signs with a major-label distributor it has no effect on their claims of independence. Of course, these folks neglect to mention that by becoming partial owners of IODA, Sony will profit from bands that they would never bother signing in the first place, and bands who now fall under Sony’s massive wing will receive more exposure through better online distribution that they would not have had before. I’m all for bands making money (well, the good ones at least…) but in the face of losing their identity as underground acts operating outside the mainstream…I can’t feel bad for them that they’ve given up on the fundamental principles upon which underground music has always been based.

A company like the Merlin Network, which represents 8% of the American music market, and is set up to represent the rights of “indie” artists against those who attempt to infringe on their rights, is a perfect example of how clotted and disgusting and depressing this situation has become. In essence, it is the fifth largest label in the world. It’s goal has been to gain as much leverage in negotiations for their clients as major labels have. So any of the 12,000 artists represented by Merlin are — whether they know it or not — basically major label musicians. If Merlin and IODA were to merge, they’d be the 3rd largest label in the world, representing a massive percentage of the world music market. Already Merlin has a larger market share than EMI in the United States.

And I’m supposed to believe that those 12,000 artists are doing it themselves?! And I’m supposed to feel bad for them when they whine about “still playing clubs and stuff” like Conrad Keeley of …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead? Fuck that, they’ve got millions of stupid kids with ironic mustaches and skinny jeans worshiping their supposedly non-mainstream actions. I say fuck ‘em.

I’m putting a moratorium on use of the word “indie”. Whether you choose to follow suit is up to you, but know that I’ll be calling you an asshole if you don’t!

IODA Press Release Regarding Sony Partnership

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – Don’t Deceive Me
Superdrag – Mr. Underground
Nick Cave – Darker With The Day
Primal Scream – Don’t Fight It, Feel It

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