nowtime wrote: I somtimes wonder if the splintering of the "hit market" into thousands of mini-markets, although seemingly good for up-and-coming musicians, was not helped along by "the man" in order to keep mass-movements more controllable. Who knows. But the end result of the collapse of the music industry? Keeping almost all of the artist/musician/rebellious types very broke, with no chance of ever getting massive exposure, and having to fight hard to create and maintain local or regional followings. There are some brilliant some super-talented and intelligent outspoken writer/singer/shaman kids (of which there are probably hundreds at the genius level- I know a few) , whom the world will never know, and this is a dis-service to audiences, and to the artists. But it serves "the man", I imagine.
The old way (mass market vs today's niche markets) could serve the great P.R/Advertising/Propaganda Machine better, because everyone is tuned into the same message at the same time, and there's alot of enrgy there. But the wild card for them is that there is then alot of energy in the unification of the rebellious sector, too.
As far as mini-niche-markets being good for us musicians, I wonder what the numbers really are.
I'm not sure that bleak view that these people will never "make it" is that accurate though really - I'm really coming round to the idea that there are more opportunities than ever, but they are no longer the big glamourous instant fame models where you sign your life away to 'the man' then he makes you into a demi-god
I think it's about time musicians had that egocentric self-importance knocked out of them anyway
I think these genius types you talk about are more likely to be their own worst enemy as is often the case
the fact is if you want a career as a musician then it is there but it requires adapting to the new model and understanding that you can no longer sell 1 platinum album and be rich overnight, instead you have to work one day at a time for years, like anyone else on the planet, to build your business, raise your profile and turn those hours into dollars
it also requires properly re-evaluating what it actually is that you want out of it
if it's to just make a living doing what you love and get it to pay your way around the world, then that is totally possible for anybody
just ask pitch black!
the ones who make it in music are simply the ones that keep going...and going....and going......
that's why it's a good idea to keep the same name - eventually people will remember it, and then one day when you've given up on trying to be something you will write a truly influential album and sell 50k copies (the numbers are smaller, but you'll get to keep it yourself and it will mean more) and then do sell out tours
musicians now have to earn money by playing live and selling merch probably moreso than recorded music, but that doesnt mean you cant do all 3 - and more (soundtracks, ads, licensing...etc)
the music industry is healthier than it has ever been, it is the old record industry that is dying
bare with me
That's a inspiring statement! 
