Of course the great thing is to do both at the same time-- to find and perfrom what satisfies you AND the audience. This comes over time, but can be done. Look beneath the surface of the material and see what it is that makes it work-- what is it about the shanties, for instance, that makes them work for others, and what is it about the material you prefer that makes it work for you..... then start listening to as much music as you can, listening for those pieces that address BOTH aspects. It's out there. Keep listening for it, and keep adapting the workable material till it's your own. It takes time to build a repertoire that way, but once you find a new piece, you get to keep it forever.

~S~