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You talk about people who you meet in sessions who are talented but don't make it...well, maybe it's them who haven't tried hard enough. I know plenty of talented musicians- genius musicians in fact- who, unfortunately, lack the hard work, self motivation, drive, and multitude of skills it takes to be a self employed musician- basic maths and english skills, a knowledge of businesses, a knowledge of the law, who can drive, who are confident, who are socially able, blabla, etc. etc... it's about more than just being a good musician or having a good voice- otherwise we'd all be at it

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Does their Maths / English skills make them a better 'Folk Musician'? Or better at getting their name known?

Folk music is mostly hokum anyway nowadays, give or take some crusty old bugger somewhere or other. It's just a sub-sect of the music business and these awards are just part of that business. And getting one's name known is all part of the business. Not sure if it makes them 'better' though.

Business, business, business.