I'm probably over complicating it.

When I see a new album listed I don't decide to listen to it or not based on wether it is independent or not (at least not consciously).

I love the idea of an artist being independent because of the control they have and because I figure they actually see a good percentage of whatever money I send their way. Do I go and check to find out if one is independent or not, nope. Many of them let you know they are though.

I don't know if I was ever to worried about what label someone was signed to past middle school. Obviously most artist I have heard of have had major label backing but I don't know if I've ever decided to listen to an album mostly because of who they were signed to.

I do need their music to be on streaming or at least bandcamp to check them out. I'm not really into checking out amateur music anymore. I know there are diamonds in the rough there but it's too much effort. I'd rather be a bit late than have to listen through a lot of music I don't like.

So if you're independent, professional and got the polish to your work I guess that would be ideal.