Friends: Just so we keep to the thread here. New strategies may be required to get that gig. I suggest you start to use the incredible tools that are at your disposal. #1 The Internet. get Global. Try myspace/See Folk Roots/Folk Branches with Mike Regenstrief. MASSIVE connections there. I'm pretty sure you'll see names you know if you cruise there. Also, mp.3.com. In Canada we have the CBC and New Music Canada. Sadly restricted to Canadians. But you can work it to make some contacts. If you want to get a site going, all you need are a few mp3's and a photo. Myspace provides the "template" after the sign-up. you are given a "player" to post your songs, and a place for your photos...0 cost, other than your time. Now the strategy here is exposure.
Once you've created a presence, you align that with your own P.R. work to your local clubs and capitalize on any opportunity to play. The more they see you, the more chance you get to find that gig. #2Internet related. Podcasting. All you need is a computer and a microphone, and a little technical help. Now you have your own radio station...I think it's pretty obvious where I'm going with this. You have to have faith in yourself as an artist, and make it happen. #3 The Indie Bible. This is a publication that has done all of the contact work for you. Within you will find an unbelievable amount of info. all related to "getting the gig." Radio stations that will play your music. Magazines that will review it, etc. etc. You need to have "the eye of the tiger" so to speak, the drive. I believe the world will welcome talent with open arms. Personally, I've gotten my songs played in over 80 countries using these techniques. And radio stations have been asking me, if it's O.K. to
play my songs...but it's up to you to reach out. You have to "get off the couch" so to speak. There is no reason "Folk" cannot be thriving right where you are.
Better start to end this rather long, but hopefully helpful post.
Strings: Yes, the stretch factor is there. But it can be ameliorated. Try this: When you restring your guitar, take a pencil and rub it a bit in the nut where each string lies. Then, tune your guitar. Then lie the guitar on your lap and grab each string, one by one and pull up about 4 inches. Do this about 4-6 times per string and gently lower the string back down. Retune the guitar. Play some chords. Do the pull up thing one more time. Tune the guitar. (I've got all the fancy electric tuners, but for acoustic, I prefer a good old tuning fork). Take the tuning fork and strike it gently to get the A=440. Put the fork in your mouth which will produce a very loud A-440 by clenching it with your teeth. It then becomes easy using harmonics to get a very accurate tuning for your instrument. It should hold in tune a bit better.
Best of Luck with all of this. hope it helps. bob