If it seems like the music industry is more crowded than ever, and that's because when it comes down to it, compared to other times throughout music history, it really is. Much of this is due to how we consume music now (thanks streaming platforms), or how the industry's labels no longer have a stranglehold on who and what we all hear (thanks Obama, I mean the internet).

It would appear that it's easier than ever to get your music out there if you're an artist because of how diluted the industry currently is, but that's not always the case. We're sure you've run across an artist or band that you immediatly thought should have been way further up the musical totem pole than they were. It's often hard to understand how someone who is so talented could remain otherwise unoticed in an industry full of people who severely lack any sort of musical talent in general, but have no problem reeling your kids in with catchy TikTok songs.

Truth be told, there are a million and one reasons why you have to constantly explain to people around you who your favorite artist is. This week we attempt to unpack why some make it to the top, and some that are equally or even more talented fall by the wayside. While in some instances it's self imposed for all kinds of reasons (mainly creative freedom) that is mostly not the case. The music industry works in myseterious ways, and while your success in the industry was once based on a hell of a lot of hard work and a bit of luck, things are a little bit different now.

What do you guys think about this? Do you find yourselves having to explain who your favorite artists are to others? Let's chat! Find us on the interwebs, and tell us what you think! We can be the next in line for who you have to explain your favorite artists to. It's season 5, episode 11 of your favorite mall cop's mistress' favorite music podcast. LET'S GO!!!

Keep up with all of the music we talk about in each episode by listening to the Infectious Groove Podcast Companion Songs playlist, exclusively on Spotify.

Infectious Groove Podcast, part of the OddPods Media Network.