yeah I know what you mean, look at a band like Fugazi, they've made it completely on their own terms. I have some friends who own a record label here that they started up on their own.
The local rock radio station near where I live in Wisconsin is good about supporting local talent also, so those things are always an option.
If you're curious about what my music sounds like, check out bands like prodigy, aphex twin, berzerker, atari teenage riot, but all with stronger guitar led melodies.
whether or not this music would be popular I have no idea, but hell it's different!