"Prog music/wider non-mainstream music" in history

If I may quote Bob Lefsetz, music journalist, on the reality of "making it".
"Musicians hate hearing the word "good".  They like to believe their sound is unique, the more different it is, the higher value one must ascribe to it.  But most of these musicians purveying these incomprehensible sounds want a larger audience and are frustrated.  Bottom line, the audience determines what will sell.  Its criteria for good might be different from yours.  But there are criteria nonetheless.  The mass audience tends to like tunefulness.  Sometimes a beat, sometimes a melody.  New and different score points, but you have to be able to get it on the first or second listen.  If it takes fifteen tries, the mass audience isn't interested.

Does this mean everything of quality will gain a mass audience?  Does this mean marketing never plays a part?  No.  But the emphasis is now on the underlying product, and it hasn't been for eons.  You've got to start with quality."

He goes on to state that the old guard in the music industry does not like this. They no longer can use their control of the distribution channels (Radio, TV, Print Media etc) to sell their products. And furthermore, the new guard (his words) doesn't like any more than the old guard. Why ? Because they think they should enjoy the massive success ($$$$$) that used to be seen not too long ago. And they're going crazy trying to figure out how. Which is why they don't like to be told it's about quality. Because most music is NOT that good or great. And if this includes your favourite group, or your own band not being able to attract attention,
who wants top admit, the "fans" ( or lack of them) are probably right.
Of course, whining about all the "ifs" and "buts" and supposed "obstacles" are really the reason why no one, or few care to listen to your creation, well ... that's fun ... not that it changes anything. But it feels good, eh.

I await the usual 'this act's music is too complex/intelligent/esoteric/speical , i.e. whatever" saying that the general public has no idea what it SHOULD like.

el böthy wrote: If what you ask if children in the 23th century will ever read about a certain "Fred Firth", then I must say I doubt so.

Ask whether the children now will ever read about a certain Fred Frith, and it seems pretty unlikely for most of them

inpraiseoffolly wrote: Good music has never ceased coming out, and the vast majority of it across time has been in now way related to prog.  That said, prog can be heard in so many modern acts, even those who are not prog.  It will never truly die, whether or not Genesis and Yes are forgotten.

Many things come out. Some things are best flushed away ...