I am a singer/songwriter myself. I know that this term is widely used by a vast number of individuals whose styles, genres and tastes vary tremendously. Not only that, but in order to be a "good" singer/songwriter, an individual must be both a good singer and a good songwriter (and it would help if he/she could also play an instrument in a capable manner.)

Because of this wide variety of styles and competence, the use of the term "singer/songwriter" seems to have developed many negative aspects to it. Many club managers are reluctant to hire an unknown s/s because they know it will be difficult to bring an audience in to hear them. If someone is billed as Cajun, Celtic, Bluegrass, Country or any number of other genres, the paying customer knows what to expect. But not so with us singer/songwriters.

So my question to promoters and paying customers alike is, "How should we bill ourselves in order to better describe what we do?" I know this is hard to quantify, but I am sure there are many other singer/songwriter's out there who have the same problems as me when it comes to breaking into new markets and getting that first good break.

Thanks for your input,
Mike