New York, NY (July 3, 2008) – The latest proof that artists are starting to capitalize on diversification. 

As the Internet has succeeded in leveling the playing field, "indie" artists are now happily redefining the term.  One such act, Greg Laswell, struggled with promoting himself, fearing his art would be compromised by big business.  But just as the record industry has started to understand where it needs to be to thrive, independent artists are already there, striking deals with alternate outlets previously not deemed worthwhile revenue streams.  Check out a clip from an article at The Wall Street Journal:

…Vanguard (Records) has secured deals with Marriott International Inc., PepsiCo Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., hoping to gain exposure for the new release.  Two of Mr. Laswell’s songs will be played overhead in Courtyard by Marriott lobbies and on the hotels’ Web site.

(Laswell) has been a spokesman for Apple Inc.’s GarageBand software, showing off how to use the technology to record songs on a laptop.  His songs are being played before the previews at large movie theater chains like AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. and at Landmark Theaters’ art houses.  This summer, an online Pepsi and Amazon ad will feature an MP3 player with images of Mr. Laswell.

This is music to every indie artist’s ears and another thorn in the crown of major labels.  With such readily available opportunities for the right artists, these pioneers in the new industry are redefining both mainstream and big business.  In this rapidly changing landscape, credibility is no longer synonymous with obscurity, and no longer are these artists viewed as sell-outs; rather, they’re being hailed as savvy marketing geniuses, sticking it to the man.  Which, essentially, was the indie mantra all along. 

Kudos for the artists diversifying their bonds.

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