The music business has been massively "democratized" last few decades.
Now anyone can record high quality music at home. Anyone can self publish their music for the world to enjoy. Both were unthinkable a few decades ago.
But there are still a few gatekeepers, and gatekeepers will usually charge for opening their gate. Why wouldn't they?
A megastar can choose to record any of dozens of equally good songs. Whoever they choose will sell 100x more. So in one sense it's fair they get a share of the money they create by adding their fame and talent to the song.
Now anyone can record high quality music at home. Anyone can self publish their music for the world to enjoy. Both were unthinkable a few decades ago.
But there are still a few gatekeepers, and gatekeepers will usually charge for opening their gate. Why wouldn't they?
A megastar can choose to record any of dozens of equally good songs. Whoever they choose will sell 100x more. So in one sense it's fair they get a share of the money they create by adding their fame and talent to the song.