[matchagaucho]

Music throughout the centuries has always been subsidized by benefactors.

It wasn't until 19th century that the breadth of career options opened up for Musicians.

The struggle for "Pop" artists is that the definition of Pop changes every 5 years... and even then, Artists underestimate just how much promotion goes into driving streaming traffic.

But career options for scoring video games, multimedia, EDM, DJ, live bands, and teaching have never been better.

[sreyaNotfilc]

And that what it boils down to, promotion. Can you out promote the next guy? And, if you're likable or not. If so, you get (at least) a listen to.

Can you promote and make quality work? Doesn't have to be high quality, but good enough that you'd listen to it a lot and share it with your friends.

Ed Sheeran is not the best singer/musician in the world. But, he and his music is constantly in rotation. Not everyone has the backing of Warner Music. However, I'm guessing he and his music is likable and talented enough to hold people's attention.