Becoming a sucess.
 

How does one become a sucessful? I don't mean just majorly famous, I mean getting a gig or two once in a while, being signed to a minor label, or even just playing in a friends garage in front of a gaggle of neighbors, I'm sure someone would call that sucess... maybe. Anyways, post your advice, if you would.

Network, online and in the real world. Also always keep your eyes open for a gig (local papers and community message boards are a good place to look) and be open to playing a lot of covers until you get a bit better know around town

It's not difficult. Ask around local venues/pubs and see what gigs are on. See what support slots are available. Get one. Play.

Simple.

It also helps to be able to take constructive criticism, because then you can determine what you need to work on.

Yes definitely. Most bands suck when they start out. (I mean obviously my band IS the best in the world from the off, but anyway...)

Also, you have to be prepared to put in a lot of time to it.

Do something legendary on your first gig!

I'm not going to say anything about you playing harp for old folk, or at weddings and such. That's more than what my band does, but we'll be playing at the christian church, and that's good... even if we'll only be playing one song, it's better than nothing.

Why not build up your repertoire and then enter a battle of the bands, or a talent contest?

You need a love for the music first, but also determination, diligence and a bit of luck. I'm shooting for that.

luck can be good or bad lol

Check, check, check... no luck. Hardly any places we could get a gig at, either. Ugh, must relocate to a bigger town, or a city.

Hard work, both musically (you'll never be perfect, and if you are, there must be something wrong somewhere), socially and every other aspect you can think of. Play often, play anything, do anything to get noticed. I don't know how many times I've had to sell out to get some cash to live off. It's not fun when you're there, but you will get noticed if you manage to do it well. If you're not getting any gigs, there is something that you're not good enough at. Get better. Work. It's a tough business.

You also need a thick skin and serious perseverence. Cause some shows you WILL screw up.

By working hard, crossing the T's and dotting the I's.

And finding out where your spell-check function is.

Having your own original sound helps alot, sometimes.