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Many Christian record labels have struggled in 2004, downsizing their staffs, outsourcing publicity work, and cutting their artist rosters—all making it more difficult to break new talent to Christian radio stations and stores.

Yet it also sets up a perfect opportunity for independent artists. Record labels are always searching for established talents that are successful in their own local area. The key is to be effective locally and grow from there. That's how artists like MercyMe, Sanctus Real, Sara Groves, and Building 429 got their starts. Still, some choose to remain independent, preferring the extra freedom and lower expectations—to them success is defined by the people they closely connect with, not the thousands of albums sold.

The myth that independent artists are somehow inferior to signed artists is rapidly becoming debunked. In fact, more than half of the submissions in this semi-annual indie roundup came with quality press kits and packaging. They're recording good albums faster and cheaper than most signed artists. Not that we're judging a book by its cover. Check out these 10 artists to hear some of the excellent music that's going largely unnoticed … for now, at least.

www.jaylenejohnson.com

This singer/songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada left her job as a flight attendant in 2000 to pursue a lifelong dream as a full-time musician. I'm glad she did—Jaylene Johnson could well be Canada's answer to the smart AC pop of Nichole Nordeman and Cindy Morgan. She's gradually developed her craft these last four years, sharing the stage with fellow Canadian artists Steve Bell, Carolyn Arends, and Jill Paquette. Her sophomore effort features the work of producers Eldon Winter and Stephen J. Rendall, the team responsible for albums by Paquette, Matt Brouwer, Jake, and Starfield. Like the music of Vanessa Carlton, Jewel, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Sarah Masen, this features progressive pop sprinkled with folk, jazz, and ethereal ambience. But it's Johnson's songwriting that deserves special attention. Too many songwriters today rely on rehashed Scripture and ideas in their songwriting. Johnson instead offers a personalized musical journal of freshly worded perspectives that are more devotional than introspective, with thoughtful takes on contentment ("Here and Now"), creation ("Wonder"), and an amazingly insightful and indicting response to worship music ("Only Have My Love"). Don't just hear these songs; listen to the words and music for a rewarding experience.

www.glisten.org

Glisten is not a new band, but they're probably unknown to most. Formed in 1994, they started out by playing their hometown of Dallas/Fort Worth. After a few years, Glisten recorded a demo produced by Steve Hindalong (The Choir, City on a Hill), which subsequently caught the attention of Terry Taylor (Daniel Amos, Lost Dogs), who then signed the band to KMG records. Unfortunately, Glisten's 1999 debut Starlight Wishlist went ignored, and the band became independent again when KMG folded in 2000. Since then, Glisten has invested in their own recording studio and released a long overdue sophomore effort that's entirely self-created and produced. This one's for everyone who loves the place where Pink Floyd and Radiohead intersect—the arty and imaginative sonic smorgasbord of such indie rock bands as Cool Hand Luke, Lovedrug, and Elbow. I can see why this band would have a hard time signing with a Christian record label these days, since their sound is so experimental. Fortunately, Glisten doesn't need a record label to create and distribute their music, and thanks to the Internet, you don't need a record label to check out their creative soundscapes.

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