It’s probably a coincidence but I’m noticing that not long after Mark and Andrea Ross put out their podcast, Powered by Passion – Explained, I began to find more and more really fantastic independent musicians have switched from a for-profit motive to putting out albums because they love making and sharing music. Josh Woodward, who according to my last.fm statistics is my most-played artist (and for good reason too!) says it well in an entry he recently wrote in his blog:

There’s a lot of speculation of what the Internet has done to hurt the music industry. Easy access to free (legal or not) songs on demand (and the ability to copy them easily) have definitely lessened the perceived monetary value of music. Over time, I’m becoming convinced that this isn’t a bad thing. I’m not sure that music and commerce are meant to share a toothbrush.

It’s always been an uneasy partnership. Too many bands feel that the only measure of success is to sign with a major label, even when they’ll statistically probably never make any real money. It seduces bands to write what sells, rather than what’s good or interesting. And unlike almost every other area of commerce, supply and demand are irrelevant to pricing, as is quality. Radiohead’s “OK Computer”, a brilliant CD recorded in an English manor, is the same price as that basement-studio CD from that crappy local cover band.

. And I think he’s really onto something. If you’re an artist trying for commercial success, chances are good you’re going to (subconsciously or not) modify your content for broader appeal – to offend as few potential listener or advertisers as possible. The end result, to steal and paraphrase one of Jimbob’s analogies, is the musical equivalent of Wonder bread. It may fill your stomach and temporarily satiate you. It may even be comforting that it is always what you expect every time, but it has no nutritional value.

So lately I have noticed that many of my most heavily played albums are ones that were given away free of charge, with only the request that I share my find with my friends (and maybe a subtly placed paypal tipjar on the side). Given my eclectic tastes I’m certain that few folks will like everything as much as I do but hopefully you find a few things you like:

My current absolute favourite album is Josh Woodward’s “Only Whispering”. Josh is an independent singer/songwriter of the highest caliber. Musically he covers a broad spectrum reminding me at times of everyone from Kevin Gilbert to a young Richard Shindell with a talent for writing lyrics on par with both of them. You can find that album and everything else he’s created here.

For some really well produced hip-hop without the all too common misogyny and materialism, check out Laffy Taffy Rots your Teeth. From their site: “Wordsmith Free Speech and beatsmith Ro Blvd. responsibly present Laffy Taffy Rots Your Teeth, a collection of 10 groundbreaking tracks that buck industry buffoonery with a freshness that guarantees jaw drops and violent head nods.” Get a copy here.

Usually I am the one in the family finding the independent music but today, Sage turned the tables on me suggesting I listen to The Majestic Twelve. I’m reminded of music I listened to in university in the late 80’s and early 90’s – but in the best of ways. There are hints of mid-80’s Police, at times even. Melodic, with witty lyrics, a left-leaning political bent, and a good sense of humour. All elements for success in my opinion. A free copy of their album, Schizophrenology is available here.

Blood Ruby have apparently been around for quite some time but as of yet have not released an album. That said, they certainly have enough material available for download on their site to make up a decent sized album. Fans of musicians like Happy Rhodes, Bel Canto, and Emily Bezar will find Blood Ruby to be much to their liking.

Anyway – as I said above, you will be unlikely to love everything I suggest just because of how different they are but I strongly suggest you give them a listen and if you like what you hear, let the artists know and just as importantly, let others know they’re out there.