There is life among the Independent Record Labels

Except that it is not in the US, its in England.

With all of this talk about the music industry, downloading, and more not to mention the death of real music distribution, it seems to me that we are missing what's going on in music in some areas. Take for example what is occuring in England's music scene right now. In the UK it is the Indies that are making some of the most compelling and best selling music on the charts.

Look at the current album chart in England:
Franz Ferdinand. Completely on an independent.
Katie Melua. An independent artist on an independent label.
James Blunt. Signed to an independent marketed by the Warner machine but still...
David Gray. Signed to an independent after being dropped by EMI now marketed by
Warner.
KT Tunstall. Signed to an independent marketed by EMI.
Paul Anka (a Fab Record really!) totally on an independent label.
Jamie Cullum. Signed to an independent marketed by Universal.

On top of all of that there are the Kaiser Chiefs which are on an independent label with universal distibution. Hardfi on an independent but again with Warner's marketing. The list goes on and on: Damien Rice, Magic Numbers, Mylo, and more and more. What is fascinating is the degree to which independent labels are supporting the development of music. Perhaps, though that is an old problem.

The Hotest band of the moment in England? The Artic Monkeys. The Monkeys are on an independent label not a major label. The very cool Arcade Fire is also on an indy. Because of equal distribution and a very active retail world (HMV, VIRGIN) these independents can compete in almost every market.