The Drive by Truckers have put out 6 albums in 6+ years, and seem to be doing fine. Old 97's have put out 7 albums in 10 years, and also seem to have a core audience. I think both of these were poor examples for you to choose.
My point is that most indie bands don't have staying power. TV on the Radio, the Killers, the Kills, the Thrills, the Stills...how many of these bands are going to be around 5 years from now? Indie bands tend to have a short shelf life and a fickle fanbase always searching for something new. For every Bob Pollard or Thirsty Moore who is able to keep it going, there are 50 artists who aren't.
At least the alt-country fanbase tends to be loyal. People like Steve Earle, EmmyLou Harris Lucinda Williams, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, etc. all have careers that span 20+ years. Bands like Old 97's will always have their fanbase. As Steve Earle says, "I know I can put out any kind of record, and still sell 100,000 copies."
Not saying what is good and bad, but I think the conservative nature of the alt-country market lends itself to a longer shelf-life for artists than does the fickle, need something new nature of the indie market.
Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
...probably more interesting reading than a review giving 8.5 zzzzz's to a band whose members will be working in a guitar shop within 5 years.
who? the drive-by truckers or old 97's?
anyhow, i'd be willing to give it a whirl. [/b]
