Madison singer/songwriter Nick Venturella is working on a book about independent musicians and music professionals in Wisconsin. The 27-year-old Venturella is currently conducting interviews for the project.

"These days, as the major label music industry, which hinges itself on CD sales, descends to a level on which independent musicians and music professionals are thriving," Venturella say. "The independents are realizing that they don't necessarily need major label support to have the sort of success they're seeking, hence they're going directly to their fans, totally circumventing the pursuit or need of a major record label deal," said Venturella.

"I'm hoping the book will provide a regional snapshot of our current independent music industry and educate and inspire the large amount of independent music talent, here in Wisconsin and beyond, to realize the possibility of finding success in their craft. Also, making local and regional music lovers who pick up the book aware of what they may not know exists right in their own backyard."

Venturella has set up a Web page for the project.