You are right to point out Dave Matthews Band are on a major label.  But wasn't long ago they were just a bunch of guys playing gigs like The Chukker in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

How did they get where they are now?

I would hope that a combination of songwriting talent, instrumental ability, and a taproot to the zeitgeist would have something to do with it.  They play well on their recordings.  They play amazing live.

The problem with the stuff the RIAA wants to push down the public throat is that it only corresponds to the third category above (taproot to the zeitgeist) and leaves the other things undone.

They want to deliver comfortable fictions for infinite profit. 

Downloaders want to taste before swallowing.

That is why CD sales are down 7 percent this year, and 5 percent last year.  In my opinion.  Down even more next year, unless better music gets made and promoted.