Hello

Recently started a thread about getting gigs in the UK and got some great advice. One of the things said, by several people was that the best way to get paying gigs was to get out and play for free and open mics.

I am interested in doing some research on this subject with the view of making a radio documentary about it.
My questions are,

1 Does playing open mics and other free gigs lead to getting paid work?

2 Who goes to open mic night apart from musicians?

3 Is the quality of music nessecarily better at a paid gig than at an open mic?

4 Are open mics reducing the number of paid gigs available?

5 Is this a new thing or has it been going on in one form or other for ever?

and any other comments or opinions you have about it.

look forward to your comments