There are some who do it mostly for the music (Of course they want to make money as well) and not dumb down their skills (Or over produce their work) for a record producer who has a “special formula”.
True,
Cross Canadian Ragweed come to mind.
A really good rock-n-roll band that prefers to play “country music”
Another good album (and band) from the 80s’ was Teslas’ Psychotic Supper, and The Cults’ Sonic Temple was too much fun..
“This is how it all ends”...