Yes, I mentioned CDBaby for a reason; I think they are on the up-and-up, and are worth the price of admission. One of the first steps in the chain.

Being up here north of Detroit, I am surprised at how much we accomplished with this project and I learned a lot.
That said, it was a LOT of effort and work. If I didn't enjoy doing it I'd feel differently about it, but the whole thing was fun.

I hope my point was understood; if you are going to do it, it will take a lot of work.
You'll have to be the one doing that work if you decide to do it yourself.

If you do it yourself it'll happen.

If you wait, it likely won't ever happen .. and trying it on your own gives you a much better chance if you ever do get checked out by a label. We had a mailing list (nice and long), an email list, references from shows mentioning attendance .. etc.
These things help. The label has something to work with.

It ain't for everyone, and your mileage will definately vary, but if you are going to do it, give it your best shot.

Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome