And the consolidation of radio means fewer and fewer playlists. There is not a lot of opportunity for new artists. It used to be, someone could get a buzz in Chicago and word would travel slowly around the country. That doesn't happen as much today. We hope the Internet and new distribution systems will even that out somewhat.
Many gay artists distribute their own music or work with independent labels.
The Indigo Girls, for instance, started their own record label. Ani DiFranco was a pioneer there. Dolly Parton started Sugar Hill Records, a small indie out of South Carolina. She just won a Grammy for best bluegrass album. Aimee Mann is another example.