Just because people keep doing something doesn’t mean it’s all “fine”. People make music in spite of the hardship. All of society benefits from their irrational, self destructive drive for creation. We could show some empathy and at least acknowledge that. Maybe even help find a way to make this beautiful gift they bestow on us less painful?
Currently it feels like we’re making them shit roses for us. Maybe let’s help trim the thorns :)
Source : I know several musicians first hand, and it’s not “fine”. :/
It would still be correct. Low average incomes for musicians and most apps not breaking even is a signal in both cases that the current supply is more than enough, and you should consider other opportunities.
People make music in spite of the hardship. All of society benefits from their irrational, self destructive drive for creation.
There's a difference between the total and marginal benefit to society. If all musicians spontaneously quit and nobody replaced them, we'd be worse off. But in the actual world, if somebody is deciding whether to pursue a career in music or engineering, the latter probably has a higher expected benefit.
That has ended.
As a programmer I sometimes reflect just how lucky I am to be born right at the historical moment when my abilities align with the economic demand. A few decades earlier or later and I'd be lucky to be an accountant or something.
1. Everyone could afford access to all the music in the world.
2. Tons of new music is being created. Creativity seems fine. Creators are still highly motivated to release their music and even without making a living through music there are still many benefits to being a musician.
And yes, it's hard to make a living through music. So what ? Why is this a necessity ?