RelaxOnline.com, an independent music web site, announces today that it is conducting an online survey of Independent Recording Artists. The music industry continues to struggle through the fantastic change brought on by the Internet revolution. From ongoing legal battles with online services, to recent public comments by industry executives, the Major Record Companies have made their opinions about music downloads and file sharing abundantly clear.

However, the musician’s voice is often stifled in all the press and media hype created by the Music Industry. Powerful organizations like the RIAA and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences are funded or backed almost exclusively by major label money. They wield their power in the halls of our government and in the court of public opinion, yet they represent just a small fraction of the artists and musicians that make music. Those artists "represented" by the recording industry, are indentured into a system that unfairly favors label earnings at the artist’s expense. While the industry publicly fights for the "musical rights" of their own artists, they privately coerce the artist’s right to own their music, all for the sake of profit.

RelaxOnline.com is conducting an online survey of all musicians, to assess their experiences, gather opinions on industry practices, and chart projections for the future of the music business.

The Independent Recording Artist survey is an effort to track the moods and attitudes of the people that create music. From music students to professional musicians, the survey is open to all artists with any level of music industry experience, and runs through April 30, 2002. The survey seeks the answers to such provocative questions such as "Do you feel as though you received Fair and Honest treatment from a Record Label?" or "Are you willing to give a portion of your income AND all rights to your music to get a Record Deal?"

"The music industry is in a state of chaos because the old business model no longer applies." says Patrick Rule, CEO and Chief Webmaster. "Things have already changed in ways that benefit musicians, fans, even the record labels. We feel this survey provides artists with a means to voice their opinions, and influence new models of industry success."

Along with this survey, RelaxOnline.com has recently published an online version of its Essential Indie Guide as a free resource. The "Indie Guide" describes how any indie band or solo artist with a bit of talent, a great song, or strong work ethic, can forge their own path to success. From the basics of the music business, to "how-to" instructions on music promotion and marketing, the Essential Indie Guide offers artists an outline for success that is easy to understand.

In addition to musician resources, RelaxOnline.com continues to serve as an "independent" source where music fans can discover and download cool new music. "ROL" provides artists from a wide variety of fields with a platform to expose their creativity. From music, video and film, to written words and works of art, RelaxOnline.com presents an eclectic mix of underexposed talent in a variety of creative areas. "Our focus is indie music," says Rule. "We want to be in a position to assist independent artists expose their music and advance their careers."

For more information, visit http://www.relaxonline.com