Hypebot dropped some numbers on the rising significance of independent labels.

Some of their reported numbers:

-Independent labels accounted for 32% of aggregate album sales in 2008, up almost 1.5% from 2007.

One-third of album sales are indies – sweet!

-Independent labels, as a group, are the largest owners of master recordings in the industry – over 80% of America’s music is under independent ownership.

Probably not surprising considering how many more indies there are then signed bands. Nevertheless, this shows the growing need for new and established music businesses to focus in this area.

-Overall, independent music makes up approximately 40% of all music played at non-traditional web radio and at industry leading webcaster Pandora, over half of the music users play is independent.

I am not exactly sure of the definition of non-traditional web radio, and to some degree I think that number should be and will be much higher over time.  After all, web radio will be the only way most indie music gets out the public in a consistent fashion.  It is very good to know that Pandora is playing greater than 50% indie music.  Pandora, after all, is a great way for music listeners to be slowly introduced to music they should like but haven’t heard yet.

In summary, these numbers and trends can only be good for independent musicians.