the biggest bands in the world were once a fringe band that noone had ever heard of!! Looking left of centre and finding people creating beautiful music is very worthwhile. It's a little like buying a sofa.. you can go to DFS or Argos and you will probably get a nice sofa, albeit a generic, production line one or you can find someone who makes furniture by hand and takes great personal pleasure in every detail, creating something unique, not off the peg. Not the greatest analogy I guess but just because an industry that is becoming increasingly cynical and resistant to change and constantly refusing stray from the "safe bet" is ignoring certain artists certainly doesnt mean they are somehow not as worthwhile and only being listened to for novelty value or kudos is a bit wrong imo. There are some amazing, talented, commited people working not only as artists but people pushing independent music and our support of their amazing work, if you take the time to find it is invaluable.