This one nickname Austin Texas locals have for the annual multimedia bash should also be a good attitude for musicians attending to take. Local students have so much disdain for the touted music scene there that most just troop off to the beaches to embarrass their school by brawling and/or getting busted there, instead, for spring break and leave plenty of parking spaces open for the visiting tourists who do enjoy the festivities. Bands trying to get signed, sadly, stand little or no chance of getting an actual showcase-it has instead become a cash cow for the local promoters, and they mostly let in established acts hoping for a little more exposure.. Many of the best bands can be found at the local free shows and renegade showcases savvy musicians managed to wrangle themselves, instead. Some have the idea right, at least, with this year's keynote speaker, recently moved to a small label from a major himself, remarking that bands shouldn't even try getting signed with majors, and should instead center on making relevant music. Don't worry if you somehow missed this year's big dance, or came and didn't get much decent networking done. You have nothing to worry about, really.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE--THE MONEY WILL FOLLOW
If you still win the odd song contest, you are doing just fine. Majors lately are after the American Idol type artists that can't write their way out of a hat, so they will always need good songwriters like you. Keep writing songs you are proud of, that move you, and chances are great they will have a similar impact on other people. Study and work on your craft so that you keep improving, and don't bother comparing what you are doing to other bands' work. Many bands break up or get dumped by their labels every month, so opportunities are everywhere for those who keep their name in the loop. Someone will notice you, eventually, especially if they can see your dedication, and how you are willing to move your goalposts rather than quit. You may find a band you would rather join as a vocalist in hopes of getting your lyrics used and do far better than continuing to audition musicians that just don't seem to be as good as what you deserve to work with. Rather than playing a trap set locally, maybe you should consider being a second percussionist in a touring group for awhile--if the current primary drummer decides to only be the tour drummer, and not have the permanent spot, you may have his job for the next album. Brainstorm about different things you actually really want to happen, and you may surprise yourself. I'd dreamed about working for one band as a member, but it was my work as a fan and my marketing expertise that finally landed me a volunteer position with their label for them on the last tour. I'd prefer to keep working in performing, but I did at least meet some important marketing folks that might help my writing down the line-you never know!
