This is an oversimplification that too many are quick to believe in
Most independent artists suck. For the simple reason that they are trying to copy the mainstream. Out of the ones that don't, a great many suck too, just because they lack the talent
It is a lot more accurate to say that "you there is still good music in the independent scene, while there is very little of it (close ot zero) in the mainstream''
Question remains, of course, why it was all good, mainstream and independent back in the days, but this is a long post on its own which I will not type right now