I don't know. I can't wrap my head around statistics like these, but it does seem like all this data is so recent. Did music really start to die 3 years ago? What happened 3 years ago? Cardi B? No, it can't be Cardi B because oops, much of her stuff is over 3 years old, which makes it no longer "new" and has her moving into "oldies" territory, according to the way things are categorized here.

The author also moves very quickly from statistical analysis with charts to an "I encountered this phenomenon myself" anecdote which meaninglessly documents the existence of a record store employee who likes The Police. (Come on, man!)

What I wonder about is: what's it like for a young, aspiring pop musician in 2022 who wants to play new music, as opposed to a YAPMWWTPNW in 1962? Setting out to be a professional rock n' roll musician in 1962 was a pretty dicey affair, best not to quit your day job. How is that different today? Harder, easier, crazier, smarter? The Beatles needed instruments and places to play, Billie Eilish (and her brother) can make hits in her bedroom in Logic Pro. Never mind good or bad music: what advice would a wise career counsellor offer?