The dream used to be simple: quit your day job, get signed, and live off your music. If you had to do anything else to pay the bills, it...

It sounds impressive. And it is — until you ask: How many of those listeners are real fans? How much money is that actually worth? And...

Touring used to be the backbone of a music career. It was where artists made their money, grew their fanbases, and proved they had value.

Genres used to be the map. If you said you liked punk, or R&B, or house music, people understood what you meant.

Once upon a time, music rewarded patience.

There was a time when a glowing review could launch an album — or bury it. A 9.0 from Pitchfork meant instant buzz. Thing’s have changed.