It might be more accurate to describe it as a rut for you. I don't mean that as an insult, it's okay if you just don't like what you hear.
If you're looking for "the cool new things" that are happening, I definitely wouldn't look at the Top 10 in concert attendance.
Given, we're not going to invent distorted electric guitar or precision audio editing again. But really, do we define great music as having a "sound" that's obviously jarring? Great music has been produced for centuries with the same old orchestral instruments--to the uninitiated, it all sounds pretty much the same.
Since we're talking about a subjective judgment, sure.
We're in the midst of a major revolution in music distribution. While revenues are down, people are listening to more music than ever before, and getting more choice in what they can listen to. Thanks to a new generation raised on guitar hero and rock band, I predict that things are going to get even crazier very soon.
If you define a rut as "not undergoing mainstream stylistic revolution" then sure, we're in a rut.
If you're looking for "the cool new things" that are happening, I definitely wouldn't look at the Top 10 in concert attendance.
Given, we're not going to invent distorted electric guitar or precision audio editing again. But really, do we define great music as having a "sound" that's obviously jarring? Great music has been produced for centuries with the same old orchestral instruments--to the uninitiated, it all sounds pretty much the same.