Chris has definitely touched upon one of the most important issues of our time: the systematic demise of American culture. He understands that the pursuit of profit is creating music that is uninspired and artificial. However, he doesn't understand it fully: the music industry doesn't "look for trends". It CREATES trends. It decides what will make money, then produces it. Popular music is designed and manufactured to appeal to the widest demographic among us. And they buy it. And THAT'S how they generate the maximum amount of profit possible. Mainstream music in America has nothing to do with originality, creativity, emotion or inspiration. Its only concern is making money. Thankfully, there are areas of art and music in this country that the money machines can't touch. They are the small out-of-the-way clubs, theaters, etc. that thrive on the real thing. Here, the truly gifted songwriter can share his/her music with others who appreciate it as something genuine and unique. The jazz pianist whose talent rivals only that of McCoy Tyner or Bill Evans can find a few places to play where those who listen can hear REAL jazz, REAL music. And as Chris tells us, quite eloquently, real music is that which brings "hope and healing". Keep your ears open. Don't follow the crowd. Support REAL music.