I do not think music is dead at all. In fact, I think it is being forced to change. I think that musicians are actually getting out there and playing more in order to make a living and relying less on album sales. They are also having to diversify and rethink how to apply their music in different ways or reach different audiences etc.

I LOVE that I can listen to music for free on the internet or download entire albums. Then, if I really like it, I’ll head out to a concert, buy a t-shirt, get the album on vinyl, or make a donation directly (which I’ve done). Previously, the only way to discover new music for me was corporate radio, music TV channel (99% crap) and word of mouth. Then one day I discovered CBC Radio, university radio, and Co-Op Radio. Wow! And they’ve only become better over the years. CBC Radio One (mostly talk), CBC Radio Two (mostly music), and CBC Radio Three (all music) are fantastic sources for music of all genres. The shows “Drive” and “Q” have some very good interviews and those meaningful stories and tidbits of info you are looking for.

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/
4 music channels, no commercials, listen in different time zones, archived shows and concerts…

http://radio3.cbc.ca/
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/

I also like Jamendo.com and just listening to whatever I come across.

Your examples of good radio stations (one radio station in Southern CA, and one in Seattle) are the rare exceptions. I’m old enough to remember the early-mid 70′s, when FM radio was in its heyday, with stations like WPLJ and WNEW in New York City that had actual deejays who would tell stories, bring in guest musicians, and play what they wanted. There’s no comparison between those days and the stuff on the radio today.

You can get Katells music on cdbaby.com, and be sure she gets paid a *lot* more than if she was on a major record label.

Maybe you just had a bad day eh?