So why does so much amazing music continue to get made, daily, as opposed to amazing journalistic content? Writing and producing music is no less challenging and time-consuming.

While not universal (e.g. newsletters on certain specialized topics), journalism has historically been associated with news organizations whereas music/art/etc. has been more associated with individuals or small groups. (Though certainly producers have played roles.)

I’m not sure if it’s true that there’s less amazing written content than music content - I wouldn’t even know how to measure that.

We’re not taking about paying the journalists directly. We’re taking about paying the company that employs said journalists.

The Spotify, Apple, etc model pays the Record Label directly and the Musician is paid by the Record Label according to the agreed upon contract.