yeah, what spudco said
When iPod gets 3G connetion and can purchase music instantly through paradox-like intelligent music service, the power to choose will be restored to the listener and good music will return, because there will be a market for it. Sellers will be glad to sell you any file, not just the ones from big three entertainment conglomerates. Right now there is not a serious commercial outlet for creative music which does not fit the corporate marketing formula. It is DIY and not every Jimi Hendrix wannabe can afford to produce and market his own CD, although even that option was not available 20 years ago. The internet has already caused a massive explosion in new creative music, but you still have to need it and find it yourself, unlike mass market music which is constantly shoved down your throat. Enough idiots will pay once they are brainwashed to like a style, so that marketing strategy has become SOP. Selling value is not profitable.
When there is a market and an artist can be compensated for practicing 12 hours a day, plenty of people will do it, and from that pool will emerge a few geniuses that will carry music forward. Ego and profit can take aback seat to inspiration and a true musician fulfilling his life's purpose. Geniuses of today choose to send their message of inspiration through more broadly accepted media than serious music.
The society must demand great music before it can come forth. Life is too easy now, there is no need for meaningful music to express deeper emotions that drew out the greats of the last century. It is the same now as it was in the 1920s, light and easy, not a care, and no need for heady inspiring music. After the Depression and WW2, there was plenty of suffering on people's minds and lots of demand for meaningful music, so it came forth. Pixar movies and kid rock give us all the culture we can handle right now. But life changes and the need for great music will return.
Rich