Unfortunately, what you say is true and not suprising.  The industry is just that...and industry. They're not really interested in advancing art as much as they are in moving product and making money.  It's always been that way.  It's the price we pay for not having state run radio and television.

I've always wondered if the grassroots approach works.  I have two really good non corporate radio stations in my region and I listen to them along with NPR and the college stations.  Perhaps giving selective listening a try and ignoring the big corporate stations will help.  And maybe the great pumpkin will come this year.

I think as long as teenagers have money...there will be problems in the industry.  There will always be highly talented folks who are completely ignored because of the lack of a "hook."  Sometimes that hook is an undernourished, silicone injected individual in spandex.  We all know the drill.

So thank you for the report of the systemic and purilient problems with our music industry.  What SHOULD simply be a distribution system is in control of every aspect of what's being distributed.  Well...I'd better get some sleep.

Sorry for rambling.

PRH