I have heard and seen numerous bands that don't get contracts or played on the radio because they don't fit the image and message that record companies "want", or don't play the games to get the contracts. That radio play time is what causes popularity, people know what they hear and can't know anything they don't hear. Take their title example "pop". The top female pop stars would not have become popular without a massive budget to advertise them and get their names out (telling everyone how it's a big star in the intro message). Until the VMA/MTV/(other award show) put up Miley Cyris and told everyone what a great artist she was who heard of her in the Music industry? Ariana Grande? Most of these people are only performers (actresses/actors) and purchase songs written for them that the producers tell them to play.
Read up on what most bands have had to do to gain popularity and the advertising required to make it big. Most bands, regardless of genre, have to give up control of just about everything. Producers change lyrics, change music, change production and the artists have no say. Smart musicians may build some elements of control into their contracts, but if they do the wrong things they receive no air time or advertising.
The study is wrong, because it negates the biggest reason for popularity. Advertising. The game is rigged, and most musicians know and admit as much.
