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Your post reads like someone who isn't in touch with what's been going on with digital labels for the last few years. Tons of artists are making lots of money, supporting themselves, booking tours, etc, without the control of major labels or any mega infrastructure. It's just not necessary anymore. I personally know quite a few artists who are doing very well for themselves, booking tours, selling their music or merch themselves (or through 2nd parties that charge a more reasonable fee than any conventional major or indy distro ever did). I can't remember the last time an artist played at any of my local venues that was on a major or even big indy label. That infrastructure is dead. The age of the rockstar is dead. This is actually kind of sad, but it was never real to begin with. There were always a hundred Elvises, a thousand Bowies. Now, if they use their brains a little (or hire someone to help them a little), they all have relatively equal share based more on their talent than ever before.
/end rant
PS - Implying that radiohead are sellouts was probably a bit harsh. they are from an era where the major labels were the best options. They didn't really have a choice - and from a pack of a dozen similar sounding bands, they were the lucky ones to get the paycheck and the tshirts. They did what they had to, and when their contract was up, they took hold of the digital age and did the right, smart thing.
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