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The Declaration of 'Independents'

It's not about making musicians rich, it's about earning them a living. For too long the story is the same VH1 tale of how miserable the whole experience of fame can be, and how it cost many artists their lives, or they spend years on the road and come back owing someone tons of money. Why not paint a better, different picture?

While growing discontent with brand names and sweatshops continues worldwide, the Pop Sweatshop is actively drawing attention to the wrongs committed against musicians, artists, and creative people of all types, who slave for pennies for someone's else's gain (Rock Starvation), and at the same time retaining the requisite humor necessary to stay sane in an insane world.

Turning music into big business pulled our culture away from the idea that music is important, emotional and sacred, and also fun. Media, to some degree, has turned the whole thing into a sales pitch. Musical expression shouldn't be solely beholden to economics and who looks the best on TV. Rock stars can do a better job if they're having fun! But the industry demands money! There are producers, managers, songwriters, and others in the industry with big hearts and generous spirits that have made magical music for countless listeners, it's just that musicians making their way through this den of vipers called "the business" have been bitten more often than not. (Check out what Steve Albini has to say about it. I think it's worth a read.)

Much progress has been made; however, being an artist is still not easy financially, especially if you want to ditch the day job. When you buy a CD from Pop Sweatshop, you are supporting hardworking artists, that believe in themselves and their work enough to sacrifice whatever it takes to create. All money received goes towards supporting artists to continue to express themselves. I envision a day when labels can provide things like health insurance to musicians, and money management advice, or whatever it takes to keep them from ending it all in a gutter, while the people that made them big count all the money.

I speak the truth when I say Sweatshop artists are all nearly broke, but they rock and roll hard, and look great on TV. Now is the time, more than ever, to show appreciation for artists and their work. Buy a CD or download some music. It's like giving blood.