Are you a die-hard music fan?  Are you the most dedicated to a core of independent artists, many of whom you feel you have developed a “personal” connection with thanks to social networks like Twitter, Facebook or MySpace?  As the models for artist survival in the music industry widen and mutate, there’s a growing focus on fans just like you — the hard core, or the uber-fan, if you will.  For fans like you, the world of music is yours to inherit and enjoy because, as you’ve already discovered, artists are starting to offer more and different ways to get and keep your attention — and your financial support.

But what if you’re just a casual music fan — one whose lifestyle is such that you don’t devote huge amounts of time and/or money with building relationships to the artists you enjoy?

This morning, Ryan Catbird alerted us to a fascinating and insightful piece over at Fingertips Commentary which examines the loss of  the casual music fan in what is referred to as “future of music” schemes being developed by, or on behalf of, independent artists.

Taking it’s cue from the conversations held during the recent Future Of Music Summit in Washington, D.C., and a keen glimpse at Kevin Kelly’s thought-provoking (and widely read piece) “1000 True Fans“, Fingertips searches for what has happened to casual music fans in the current series of fan engagement methods on the part of the artist. Fingertips points out that to artists searching for sustainability in a market place that looks so bleak, artists have taken their focus to the people they know are most willing to pony up for access to them or their music — the question is, however, at what cost to the rest of their fan base?

It may take you a while to read through, but I highly suggest you head over to Fingertips (by clicking here) and read this fascinating commentary.  We want to know what you think, too, so please share your comments on this article with us here.

In addition to being able to purchase a special compilation filled with one-offs and unreleased recordings by great artists, a charity auction is being held on eBay with some phenomenal one-of-a-kind prizes (be a music CEO at Beggars US for a day sound interesting?). You can read further details on all the great things you can win after the jump, plus a listing of the tracks you can get on the Indepenents Day 08 compilation — but remember, the compilation is only available for a limited, 72-hour period of July 4-6 at a special price.

Independents’ Day fires up in the United States on Friday July 4th! In conjunction with the digital album, there will also be an online auction running July 4th thru July 13th, with items for sale including memorabilia from artists like Evanescence and Nickleback, as well as incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences including:

- Play Guitar Hero with Roadrunnner artists Dragonforce! Dragonforce is the band behind the track widely considered to be the most challenging in the game’s history, “Through The Fire and The Flames.”
- Be a music CEO for a day! One winner will get to shadow Beggars Group US CEO Lesley Bleakley for a day, operating one of the biggest indie labels in the country.
- Spend “A Day with Dave!” One winner gets a personally guided noon – midnight adventure through the artistic spots of Portland, OR with Dave Allen, founding member of legendary punk icons Gang of Four. Dave is an enthusiastic Portland resident, and will share his favorite haunts with the lucky winner. This package includes airfare and one night of hotel.
- See Ani DiFranco! One winner gets a pair of tickets to see Ani DiFranco in concert July 16th at New York City’s United Palace, as well as a special opportunity to attend sound check before the show.
- Win a Ringo Starr autographed drum head.
- Score a Joan Jett specially autographed skate deck.
- Have a Jam Session with hiphop/Jazz act Ozomatli.

and so much more….check out the US auction which goes live late night on July 3rd.

eBay Auction Link:

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=independents-day-charity-auction

Proceeds raised by this event will be split between A2IM, WIN (the Worldwide Independent Network), the Recording Academy’s charity MusiCares, and a special emerging country fund that supports those working to create their own independent label groups in regions like the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Tracklist (get the whole thing for only $2.99!!!)

* Ani DiFranco – Alla This
* Atmosphere – You (Live Acoustic Version)
* Black Milk feat. Fat Ray – Take Control
* Busy Signal – Unknown Number
* Charlatans UK - Murder
* Christian Scott – Rewind That (DJ Logic Remix)
* Dave Barnes – On A Night Like This
* Devendra Banhart – Don’t Look Back in Anger
* Dr. Dog – The Ark
* Elizabeth Cook – El Camino
* Feeder – Public Image
* Frank Black – The Seus (Charles Norman Remix)
* Hamell on Trial – Halfway
* Hanson – Your Illusion (Live)
* James Hunter – Don’t Do Me No Favours
* Jeff Hanson - Your Only Son
* Jim Lauderdale – You Loved Me Too
* Khia – Geeked Up
* Living Legends – That Looks Good (Jones Remix)
* Pacifika – Me Cai (The Da Cruz Ragga Mix Radio Edit)
* Slipknot – Purity
* The Donnas – Wasted Life
* The Mighty Underdogs (feat. Gift of Gab and Chali 2na) – War Walk
* Tift Merritt – Tell Me Something True
* Tokyo Police Club – In a Cave (Great Lenin’s Ghost vs. Octopus Rex Remix)

The album will be available for a very limited 72-hour window (July 4-6) at Amazon, eMusic, ZUNE, A2IM.org, www.independentsday08.com, and participating member websites.