> Conversely, the likelihood of making it big just by making some good damn music was never lower than it is now.

Is that statement backed by any facts? Otherwise it sounds like a soundbite that sounds good, but I'm not sure how true it is. Maybe what "making it big" has changed more compared to how many people make their living making music, which for me would be enough to be considered "making it big".

Do you believe more people per capita now make their their livings as performing musicians?