Even as an amateur music reviewer, I have received a flood of CDs from independent artists. While I am expected to ‘judge’ these CDs, I make sure to do so from a perspective removed from my own. Although some artists may actually be interested to know whether I enjoy their music, I do not believe this is their main objective. Rather, the essence of a review is to evaluate the execution of the music. Difficult as it may be, the reviewer must first assume the intention of the artist in order to judge the execution.

Based on the intention, certain ‘passes’ must be given out on the execution. An atmospheric album cannot be faulted for its lack of catchy melody, just as an independently-recorded album cannot be faulted for its production quality. However, this simultaneously positions these artists to be held at higher standard for the execution of their perceived intention. In the case of independent artists, that may be an intention they are not comfortable with.

Considering that these artists are continuing to create music while accepting their role outside of major label exposure, it is my understanding that they have recognized the saturation of the mainstream market. The underlying problem with this saturation is not that the music sounds the same – that is bound to happen in every genre – but rather that the intention of the artist is the same. The intention of the major label artist is without question to appeal to a diverse population of consumers to maximize sales. There is no reason to emulate the intention of creating disposable, easily digestible music in the independent realm. The artist then wastes their gift of choosing their intention.

Of course, this is simply wishful thinking. However, I will stand by the suggestion that if an artist does not intend for their art to transcend the economic worth of the CD, they should make it perfectly clear. Stop lining your press packages with descriptions of being an ‘indie’ band. This just sets up your reviewer to wrongfully assume your intention, while in their mind correctly judging your execution. Accept what you are, because there certainly is a market for it. If you’re too embarrassed to admit that you write about girls inside three minute alterna-rock songs with epic hooks, then you should be too embarrassed to record them.

[by guest contributor David Barnes]