[spiralpolitik]

For 90% of artists the record labels are now redundant. They can do everything themselves. Yes its going to be hard work, yes you are going to end up playing the same small venues year after year as you build your audience, and yes won't be heard on the radio (outside of NPR maybe) or breaking any sales records.

You will get a lifetimes career out of it and in the end you'll probably make more money than 90%+ of label signed artists. The key thing is the choice is now yours.