I half agree and disagree.
I agree with what you said about the difference between making music and selling it. That's only too true, unfortunately, but I certainly wouldn't say that was the case for all art forms.

Any piece of modern art that has sold in the last ten years has done so because of the perceived worth of the statement the artist has made, not because it appeals to any sort of audience.

Similarly, in my field of work I meet an awful lot of film-makers who make a decent enough living that don't necessarily make films that are marketable. They manage to stay true to their artistic vision AND sell what it is they make. I've done the same thing in the past.

In the music industry however, it seems to be the complete opposite. If you have any hope of making a living out of it, you'd better appeal to as wide a range of people as possible...
( PMGT -Bacon., Tue 4 Jan 2011, 8:45, Reply)