there IS another way

but Deg do not have the musical muscle right now to do it, and that is to work their asses off getting college radio play and getting up on those charts.

that DOES pay off, but it takes a lot of touring, promotional work and music that is ... well, I won't degrade Deg, but I still think that some of their earlier work could have done it and what they're producing now is too American mainstream to stir much of a buzz with college stations. Beyond the fact that they're not going to promote it or tour it because they can make more money for less work in Japan.

So they'll end up on an indies label, maybe they'll sell to otaku, but they'll never make it in the music industry doing it this way. You're right, it's payola and authenticity and ... well, whatever. They half assed it so let's look elsewhere.