Everything remains the same.....

Some of the big bands of the 60's were playing essentially for free with several #1 songs on the radio. Getting screwed by the record company was a given.

Now days with streaming and digital, not much has changed. Songwriters don't get much remuneration.

I have a few songs in film and TV and the royalties were about 12 months behind the airing of the shows.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.