And yes, TC, the business has changed RADICALLY. There are ENORMOUSLY MORE PEOPLE TRYING TO DO THIS. The Internet has made everyone THINK they are a singer, a writer, an entertainer. That is why there is so many Karaoke and non professional nights, open mics, talent contests, etc. The demand for professional musicians have plummeted through the basement while the the supply of people willing to play for nothing or tips, have shot through the roof.

There are hundreds of thousands of kids in and graduating from college, who are going to bring their beer buddies out to see them and they are going to play for tips. And the older "hit bands, duos, etc. from yesteryear, are actually playing the larger higher paying club gigs where once was the "training ground" for the big time. There are things like Casinos, which can get the top entertainment that the older people with income would go see.

The middle class has been squeezed out, just like the rest of life.

So it is an intensely different world than three, five or ten years ago and growing expotentialy so. But having said that, there are always new people that break through in finding their own niche. The outline Brian just did is pretty much on track. You have to build interest and action in your BRAND BEFORE any agency, manager, investor, venue, will be interested in you in the first place.

MAB