I don't think it is fair to compare Radiohead or Louis CK to that of a lesser known artist in this regard, because the bias is all in the media coverage. Bands

I don't think it is fair to compare Radiohead or Louis CK to that of a lesser known artist in this regard, because the bias is all in the media coverage. Bands have been self releasing (outside of "big entertainment") since well before digital distribution, because signing to a label isn't always feasible (financially or creatively). Digital distribution makes just makes this even easier. You only know about Louis CK & Radiohead because that is that the media covering. Digital distribution & artists self releasing material is happening and has been for a while, but no one knows because unless they are already into these lesser known bands & record labels. You have to think of it like this: "Lesser known artists can be more successful by releasing their own material digitally than they would by signing with a label." Or "This independent record label can lower their overhead and make things easier for their bands by embracing digital distribution."