I wonder how much that changes if you manage to take piracy out of the equation? In other words, are less artists funded through A&R because there is a higher

I wonder how much that changes if you manage to take piracy out of the equation? In other words, are less artists funded through A&R because there is a higher risk from piracy that previously, or is there also a factor that A&R becomes less important if musicians are able to self finance music production and distribution therefore allowing the masses to do talent discovery on their behalf? I know a few independent small time artists and their plan seems to work on the basis of "do enough shows and get enough youtube hits & twitter followers and someone will offer us a contract".