"So there was a way for you to get promoted and survive as an artist without worrying about AM radio hits"

In this quote, Todd Rundgren is assessing the music market's advancement and the shifting pathways to success for artists. Throughout the height of AM radio's popularity, chart success on these stations was typically viewed as a crucial stepping stone for a musician's career. This format prioritized catchy, radio-friendly songs that were usually no longer than three minutes. For lots of artists, aligning their music with these requirements was necessary for getting exposure and accomplishing industrial success.

Rundgren's statement highlights a substantial modification in the dynamics of the music market. He suggests that there was a point where artists might accomplish recognition and delight in a sustainable career without complying with the stiff expectations of AM radio. This indicates the introduction of brand-new avenues and platforms that enabled artists to bypass conventional gatekeepers and reach audiences more directly.

The expansion of FM radio is a potential reference point. FM stations were less rigid in their formats, typically playing longer tracks and accommodating specific niche categories, allowing artists to experiment and maintain creative integrity. This environment nurtured diverse musical expressions and allowed for the development of genres that might not have actually thrived under the restrictions of AM radio.

Moreover, Rundgren's remark might also mention the development of digital music and online platforms, which have even more equalized the music market. With the rise of the web, artists can now self-promote and disperse their work globally. Social media and streaming services have diminished the impact of traditional media, such as AM radio, in dictating what is thought about popular or effective.

In essence, Rundgren's declaration acknowledges the evolution of the music market towards a more inclusive and differed landscape, where the definition of success is wider and more accessible to varied artistic expressions. This shift empowers artists to create their courses without catching business pressures, cultivating innovation and creativity in the music world.