Sessions is a good idea. You need them to know you're there!

Another consideration is: lots of talented musicians want gigs but practically nobody likes hunting for them, publicizing and all that kind of stuff. This is true of me. When I'm looking for someone to gig with, there are several considerations, but a certain amount of business savvy, and willingness to undertake those chores, is definitely one of them.

Look at it this way: assume people suss you out with a mental checklist; some of the items are likely to be:

• dependable, honest and personable (personal qualities)
• will you carry your weight? -sublist:
  • can you book gigs, make posters, make phone calls, persuade dubious club managers etc--THIS IS REAL IMPORTANT BECAUSE WITH NO GIGS THERE IS NO BAND
  • if you're not a great player now, do you show signs that you're willing and able to develop your skills more (like a good ear and a willingness to practice)
  • do you have good equipment for yourself, some PA essentials, and the ability to set up and troubleshoot sound equipment.
  • a vehicle
• a cool head and sense of humour when things start to go to shit
• talent

Finally, don't take it personally when people aren't interested in getting something going with you. A singer who doesn't play an instrument needs to be twice as good a singer to get these invites, depending how they check out on the list above. Do an honest assessment of where your level of musical development is at and talk to people who are around the same or (ideally) a notch better than you--that way you'll be challenged and grow.

Best of luck
Willie-O