"In the current economy, it's better to think niche and build a direct relationship with fans that can translate into multiple small revenue streams"

More people make the connection between having direct fan relations and the "success" of a musician:

"...At panel discussions in the Austin Convention Center, managers, record-label executives and technology experts discussed marketing strategies for breaking bands and making money at a time when sales of recorded music are plunging. Among the conclusions: Bands need to build small, flexible support teams that will play the role that stodgier, wealthier corporations used to occupy. In the current economy, it's better to think niche and build a direct relationship with fans that can translate into multiple small revenue streams." read the full post.
Greg Knott at Chicago Tribune writes about SXSW "South by Southwest: Festival is more than music"