There was a very interesting piece on the BBC website today about how the art council may have to step in to help the failing pop music scene. But are we surprised? I have to say I agree with a lot of what he is saying, but I was surprised that they are still considering the fact it takes near £1 million to break an artist, of course it does...traditionally and here in lies the problem, we are focused on old business models and old school ideals, most of which have long since died a death (in someways down to the greed of the record companies in the past).I couldn't agree more that artists need nurturing, they need time to develop, they need to gain momentum that doesn't happen over night, but I think (IMHO) they they also have to look away from traditional marketing model costing £1millon + to break an artist. Let's do away with that, lets try something different, lets be creative, by all means invest in artists (so they can live), but let's find new business models for the industry. There is no better time then now, we have amazing tools and access to global communications and networks, we don't need the traditional model, we need good product....i.e. good music.The masses seems to have seen through (or are at least getting to this point) the X-factor set up, being famous for one night model and then being dropped straight away, it is entertainment, not music...... to watch what is basically a glorified karaoke session, spawning a 1000 sound-a-likes. The thing is though, I think that the best popular culture usually comes as a rebellion to the norm, and we have seen this decade after decade after decade. Music will endure as soon as those brave enough to be individual speak out and... yes.... arts council funding might help, but if it is good, unique original, it will find momentum, and without massives of marketing budget these days, and best of all (and scariest for the industry) the writer can control the rights and get more of the cash. Viva la revolution!!When did the music rebels ever really want to be popular?PeaceNeil