Matt:

Thanks for your perspective on this subject. I hope you won't spend alot of time anuguishing over what is past. It's the future that counts. Keep plugging away. Practice make perfect and it takes awhile for songwriters/singers to find themselves, musically. (Sometimes just to find themselves, LOL!)

You have a sensitive soul and that is a tremendous asset. Don't ever give up. Music can be a form of release even if it pleases no one but one's-self. You may be amazed at what a little time will do to your musical direction and accomplishments. Tenacity is the key if you have talent.

There are so many directions we can take in our musical adventures. Try the one that is most attractive to you and, if that doesn't work, take the next available path that looks like it might lead you somewhere. Don't believe for one instant that you cant work in multiple genres. I find it most satisfying even though it has not brought me wealth or fame.

You mentioned the "attitude" thing displayed by lots of artists. It may work for awhile but I don't believe it is an enduring thing spread over time. I suppose that's one of the reasons I admire Hoagy Carmichael's work so much. It is everlasting.

All my best,

Dave Rice