I think the main issue here is that we are using words that are sort of one-dimensional and lifeless: positive and negative.

Instead of saying "Publishers don't want negative songs", it might be better to say that "publishers don't want songs that, after listening to, they want to kill themselves".

Instead of saying "Publishers want positive songs", maybe it's better to say that "Publishers want songs where after listening to them, they cried because something great happened in them" or "Publishers want songs where after listening to them, they stand up, whoop and holler because they want to go out and whip the world".

I think "positive" songs can have something depressing happen in them -- but somehow hope has been re-kindled. If you're alive you probably have hope.

Kevin

"Good science comes in peer reviewed journals. Conspiracy theories come in YouTube videos. "
Kevin @ bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh