3rd Post : Professionalism, MUY IMPORTANTE!

We are all artists, in one definition or another. Whatever we do really well can be considered our "art". I used to wonder sometimes, "Why do some really, really talented people never get the break they deserve, and on the flip, why do some garbage, no-talent folks get HUGE breaks and make LOADS of money?". Well ladies and gentlemen, I have found the answer in this last year of searching. And it is a multi-level answer. Let's break it up into sections

I: Location
Sometimes you just live in a shitty city, and the smartest thing would be to move. People tend to think local buzz is the key to national success. This is true...................in major cities. If you live in Po-funk, AL, it's gonna be a little hard to get noticed, especially if you're doing jazz-funk or reggae in the deep south. Sometimes you have to cater to your demographic. Basically, MOVE!
II: Dedication
If you don't do what you do in your band or act just about every day (or something close to that), there's no need for you to think that you're ever going to get famous. Those people, despite the hype, practice their ass off. That is how they make a living.
III: PROFESSIONALISM, SO IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When you become an artist, you have, in so many words, become a business. You must conduct yourself as such. You have to keep yourself maintained (unless your gimmick is filth, then in that case GO NUTS), you have to keep files of EVERYTHING you sign, and even before you sign anything, you have to ACTUALLY READ it. A lot of people get offered checks and forget the fine print. This is a fine way to get further into debt. You also, if you are self managing, might want to find yourself a GOOD entertainment lawyer.
IV: Stage Show
You are throwing a show, correct? or at least you're apart of one? I think the best quote I have for this is from Sebastian Banks (of Black Rock Revival)," Why say it's a show if it's not?" your stage show must keep the audience entertained, and on top of that, YOU HAVE TO BE ON TIME TO PERFORMANCES. Showing up late shows extreme lack in professionalism.

From what I can see, that has been the downfall of a lot great acts (besides drugs, but that's another post) that could have gone national and even international. Just try these things out, get some good PR, and see how far your talent will take you.

Peace.