The Indie 100 are:

The Groundbreakers

Frank Black
Fugazi
Peter Gabriel
Joan Jett
Stephen Malkmus
Moby
Sonic Youth
Cris Williamson

The Entrepreneurs

Animal Collective
Bright Eyes
Alison Brown
Judy Collins
Ani DiFranco
Jack Johnson
Branford Marsalis
Dave Matthews
Outkast
Amy Ray
String Cheese Incident

Rebels with a Cause

Billy Bragg
Bruce Cockburn
Steve Earle
Michael Franti
Kathy Mattea
Dar Williams

The Lemonade Makers

Jonatha Brooke
Ashley Cleveland
Sara Hickman
Lowen & Navarro
Aimee Mann
Jill Sobule
Lari White

The Vanguard

Arcade Fire
The Avett Brothers
The Black Keys
Cat Power
Editors
Feist
Imogen Heap
The Hold Steady
Ingrid Michaelson
My Morning Jacket
The New Pornographers
Peter, Bjorn and John
The Shins
Sufjan Stevens

The Connectors

Jesse Harris
Alison Krauss
Jim Lauderdale
Buddy Miller
Christine Lavin
Jake Shimabukuro
Marty Stuart
Gillian Welch
Dan Zanes

The Fan-Addicts

Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Jimmy Buffett
Drive-By Truckers
Flight of the Conchords
Phish
Trout Fishing in America
Widespread Panic

The Defiant Ones

Arctic Monkeys
Deerhoof
Robbie Fulks
Janis Ian
James McMurtry
Nine Inch Nails
Spoon
Tom Waits
Wilco

The Multi-Taskers

David Byrne
Jenny Lewis
Stephin Merrit
Will Oldham
Mike Patton
Jon Spencer
They Might Be Giants
M. Ward
Jack White

The Visionaries

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Jane Siberry (a.k.a. Issa)
Radiohead
Vampire Weekend
Derek Webb

The Organizers

Cary Brothers
m.o.e.
O.A.R.
Rachael Sage
Sister Hazel

Major Label, Indie Heart

Ryan Adams
Beck
Elvis Costello
Death Cab for Cutie
The Decemberists
Emmylou Harris
Modest Mouse
Tom Petty
Sigur Ros
Lucinda Williams

Hard-headed. Defiant. Progressive. Fearless. Inspiring.

These are all words that describe an independent artist. And over the past 15 years we’ve watched as the indie movement has become the music-business model of today—an ever-shifting shape that knows no boundaries and has no rules, but one where artists maintain control and ownership of their creativity.

To celebrate our 15th anniversary as an independent magazine, we’ve come up with a list of artists who embody the spirit of independence—those who have been technological trendsetters; started their own label; found unique ways to connect with their fans; put up a valiant fight against unfair industry practices; diversified their career; and stayed true to their independent roots whether they were signed to a label or not.

Deciding on the final 100 was no easy task, and this list isn’t to be considered complete. What we hope it represents is an inspiring look into the careers of 100 songwriters who have traveled the rough road of independence while paving the way for others. We’ve marched alongside many of these artists for the past 15 years, while others have joined the parade more recently, electrifiying the music world with their overwhelming talent and energy. You have all made a tremendous difference.

Performing Songwriter salutes you.

To read about each of the honored artists, get the latest collector's edition of Performing Songwriter, ISSUE No. 110