Once upon a time, for a band to make it in the music business, they had to play the game:  (1) Find a manager or booking agent to get gigs, (2) build a fan base by playing in the right bars or clubs, (3) work every possible angle to get their music into the hands of an entertainment attorney with contacts at major record labels, (4) perform showcases for interested labels, and (5) if there’s interest (the exception, not the rule), have their attorney negotiate a recording contract.

Now, because of CD Baby, iTunes, Kickstarter, Bandcamp and other accessible, non-record label outlets, up-and-coming bands don’t have to play that game to get their music to the masses. In many ways, that’s a good thing. Emerging artists like Downtown, Vespers, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Kitaro, Tito and Tarantula and Sufjan Stevens have been able to reach audiences without the need...