Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor

I just got a sneak peek at something that is not only fun and informative but much needed in this age of self-empowered creativity. I'm talking about a new documentary called "What Is Indie? A Look Into the World of Independent Musicians."

Produced by Dave Cool (his real name), an indie musician, record label owner and filmmaker, this 50-minute film explores the definition of "independent" and the philosophies, tactics and lifestyles of the music people who live it.


I've knew that Dave had been working on this for the past two years. When my review copy came in the mail, I had no idea what to expect. Once I popped it in, I was really impressed.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this "indie" concept, but even I was forced to think about many other subtle nuances to what it means to be "independent" in the music business.

The biggest revelation came with this question: If an artist is "unsigned," does that automatically make them "indie"? Well, if you think of indie as an attitude, a lifestyle, and a determined way to take control of your career ... the answer is NO!

Many "unsigned" acts are still banking on a major label deal to save them, and they simply do things on their own in the meantime -- because they have to. Many of the artists interviewed in the film agreed that these acts are NOT indie. True independent musicians don't mindlessly wait for record contract salvation. They move forward as if they are the only ones who will ever propel their careers.

Most valuable to readers of this blog are the extensive bonus interviews with people like Derek Sivers of CD Baby, Suzanne Glass of Indie-Music.com, Panos Paney of Sonicbids, author Daylle Deanna Schwartz, and David Wimble of "Indie Bible" fame.

"What Is Indie?" also comes with a compilation CD featuring music of the artists interviewed in the film, deleted scenes, a blooper reel, and more. Great stuff!

Here's the best news. Dave Cool is making a special, limited-time offer for my readers. Go to this link and get a $4 discount off the price. But hurry. This discount won't last forever.

Go here and grab your copy now:
http://www.whatisindiemovie.com/buzzstore.cfm

-Bob