The recorded music industry is serious business. Most people know about the major labels (Universal Music group, Sony BMG, EMI group, and Warner Music Group) but they are not the only show in town. There has always been a fine line between fame and poverty in the entertainment industry and somewhere along that line lies the Indie record labels. With tools like the web and file sharing independent music has become a bigger part of the music industry in recent years.

New labels with new talent are popping up around the country. People like M.K. O’Connell have had some success with start up labels. O’Connell started Anisette Records in 1997, and has had four releases. This seems like a success, however O’Connell states that he is below breaking even.

Asthmatic Kitty Records is a successful label started in Holland Michigan. Some of their artists have a certain level of celebrity throughout the Midwest. Sufjan Stevens is one of the most well known artists on the label, having attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

So if you have the ambition but don’t want to work for a corporate record company, there can still be a place for you in the music industry. Check out this great feature on About.com to learn how to get started making your own record label.

By: Nate Anderson