I have also had a period of time where I made my living (admittedly as a single man in a cheap apartment with a roommate) at music. I am forming a new band and will soon make that living again, albeit with a wife and 3 kids in tow. Nevertheless, it shall get done.

My advice? Just keep plugging away, mate. Never mind all the bull about having to play crappy music for drunkards. Play what you want. Polish that motherfucker till it shines. Own the stage... whatever it is you do, do it like no one else. Put your own stamp on the music and leave no doubt in anyone's mind that your show is a scene worth making.

I never, ever bow my knee to what people want to hear irrespective of what I love (and was born) to play. I do, of course, try to get gigs where my music (Chicago and Kansas City-style blues) where the music is more likely to be appreciated, but damn if I play some bubblegum garbage pop music just because some rumpot is waving a dollar.

What does Pete Seeger always say, anyway? "Take it easy, but take it."