By Maria Esteves - December 29, 2008 

The 28th Annual CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2008 (CMJ08), "Current Independent Culture Through the Eyes of True Indie Pioneer" panel discussion was held at New York University Kimmel Center, Thursday, October 23, 2:00 P.M. The successful standing room only panel attended by artists, industry executives, producers, promoters, remixers, digital/recording artists, DJs, and press discussed the decline of major record labels and the rise of independent record companies from personal views, experiences, and the future of the independent music culture. Moderated by music editor Rob Harvilla, Village Voice, panelists included singer/songwriter Dave Derby; rock musician/songwriter/producer Walter Schreifels, former member Quiksand band; artist Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky); director Insights & Digital Media Dave Allen, Nemo Design, former member Gang of Four band; and lead singer Aaron Lazar, The Giraffes.

CMJ08 "Current Independent Culture Through the Eyes of True Indie
Pioneer" Panel: CMJ moderator music editor Rob Harvilla, Village Voice,
(center), with panelists, (left), rock musician/songwriter/producer
Walter Schreifels, and artist Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky).

CMJ08 "Current Independent Culture Through the Eyes of True
Indie Pioneer" Panel: (from right-left), CMJ moderator music
editor Rob Harvilla, Village Voice, with panelists rock musician
/songwriter/producer Walter Schreifels, (center) and singer
/songwriter Dave Derby.

CMJ08 "Current Independent Culture Through the Eyes of True Indie Pioneer" Panelists: (from left-right), artist Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky), director Insights & Digital Media Dave Allen, Nemo Design; and lead singer Aaron Lazar, The Giraffes.