<p><pre><code>   wanting to emulate the music that they like.
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Yes, but the reason they like this music, is (to a substantial degree) because others (in their relevant peer group) like that music. Ultimately a lot of people like a specific form of music, because it has been mass produced, and mass marketed to them.<p>One of the social functions of pop-music is to help form and sustain group identities. E.g. Reggae is associated by some&#x2F;many with being relaxed, easy-going, liking ganja etc. For such group formation to function, it is vital that a lot people do in fact listen to this music.<p>The best way to get a large number of people to like a small number of musical genres, is truth heavy marketing and restriction of products on offer.<p>In the past, production and distribution of records was only economically feasible for a small number of products ...