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As the music business changes and once again becomes more about the music than the business, an increasing number of bands are taking a DIY approach to their craft. Self-financed recordings and self promotion have helped countless artists find success without the influence or interference of major label "suits". Bands like Digger Phelps have released their own CDs, set up their own recording studios and run their own websites, while websites like cdbaby.com and myspace.com have enabled musicians to distribute their music and reach fans all over world.
Digger Phelps was formed in 1997, originally as Static, then Bender. In April of 1998 the 9 song Dem Os was recorded in less than 12 hours. Early songs like "All Being Equal", "No Problemo" and "Race To Fall" showed the band in an aggressive light while the emotional "It's Only Me" and the epic "Whitewash" revealed their dynamic side.
They recruited Andres Karu (currently in The Wonder Stuff) to sit behind the board for the next project and in December of 2001 See You In May was released on Digger Phelps' own label and made available worldwide via cdbaby.com. New songs "Waiting For The Palms", "Warm December", and "After Hours" shows the band's growth in the 3 years since their last CD.
They're currently working on a new record called Falling Over Backward which should be out later in the year.
Digger Phelps have enjoyed a nearly 10-year career as a self-sufficient unit and show no signs of slowing down. Perhaps it's due to the fact that they're not a product of a major-label machine, or it could just be that they love the music they play and have found a way to continue to create and release it.
You can buy their first record, See You In May, here for just $10.
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