The problem is that on the small scale you are one of hundreds maybe thousands of on average equally good musicians that are producing songs that can be copied

The problem is that on the small scale you are one of hundreds maybe thousands of on average equally good musicians that are producing songs that can be copied and distributed ad infinitum, why exactly is there an expectation that this should be worth significant sums of money? Performances of some form are potentially more unique and engaging for an audience and potentially provide more opportunities for monetisation if that's the desire.