This week I got an email from Apple, stating the latest data from the NPD Group Watch’s survey has shown that they are now the top retailer for music in the US. Not a surprising email I must say, seeing how I don’t know a single person that buys music from Wal-Mart. Wait, I take that back. My father had to go there to get the newest Eagles CD cause Itunes wasn’t carrying it.

And while I’m happy that there is still a competitive market out there, and no one has yet to monopolize, this is a race that I honestly don’t care about. As long as companies such as Clear Channel controls our airways, and companies like Fox, MTV, NBC, etc. control viewers and listeners minds and ears, the general consumer is missing out on a world of good music.

Thankfully, in this day and age, there are many other means of finding good tunes. Whenever I’m driving, the only thing I’ll listen to in my car is NPR. Yes, it’s public radio, but they often introduce good music that is going on under the radar. I buy about 5 cds a week, and I’d say NPR is responsible for 3 of these, while another radio show, KEXP out of Seattle is responsible for the remainder. Usually on Sunday or Monday before work, I’ll download their latest Podcasts off of Itunes, and check out their ‘Song of the Day’ (KEXP) or NPR’s all things considered.

Lately, a new website has come about called RcrdLbl.com, where users can download over 1,000 tracks from about 1,000 different artists. Regardless of what kind of music you like, you’re bound to find something you like. If you want to visit them, they’re my only link at this time. (4/5/08) It’s time that we support artists that actually make good, thought out music. I’m honestly tired of U2 cds, and everything like it. I like going to shows locally for $15 bucks and seeing some amazing artists that probably never will be famous.

So, indie music is just that. Independent without all these corporate backing dollars. It’s no Bruce Springsteen blue collar music (most of the time), cause it isn’t 1984. It’s 2008, and we have all the information we could ever need at our fingertips. It’s about time we really start using that, and sharing the love.