A few useful web resources for 
Independent Artists - aka "Indies" 

The Bard's Crier, an Internet marketing "how-to" e-mail newsletter and web site for independent bands, published by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards (Cantaria contributors)

Indie Music - "Worldwide Independent Music Directory" - lots and lots of links (way too many)

Tools:

Contracts are our friends - a walk through of basic performing contracts and explanations of riders and amendments.

Audio Recording Center - learn all about different recording methods

Home Recording Web Site - lots of great articles and discussion boards

CafePress - sell t-shirts, mugs and other goodies with your logo or graphic, with no overhead!

House Concert Network - needs work, but has potential

Songfile - use this site to find authors for contemporary songs, then go to 
Mechanical licensing of songs through the Harry Fox Agency (for North American artists)

ASCAP - American Society of Composers, Authors and Performers