IS THE AUDIENCE FOR POPULAR MUSIC CREATED BY THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

The music industry is riddled with stereotypes and things that appear to be popular, these are only popular as they are the only option. If one is willing to search for difference then the audience wont be created by the music industry but perhaps influenced by it. Radio is used to show what the music industry wants us to hear, music stations based around heavier music such as Kerrang! radio are now playing softer more indie music as this is what is currently "popular", Adorno's theory of standardisation fits in well, the music that is popular is heavily standardised, with recurring beats, notes and lyrics. Audiences appear to be passive just accepting what is offered to them. Without a music industry however there wouldn't be an audience as there would be no music available to purchase and listen to, therefore the music industry does create the audience.