I started a full-time performing career in 1998. I based myself in New England (Massachusetts) and for three years, I went to every open mic within 100 mile radius of where I lived. That meant driving 5-6 nights a week to play one, two, maybe three songs. My days were spent doing research on venues to see where I might get a chance to perform and contacting those venues.

In 2003, I went over to the UK and did a couple of gigs, but the majority of my four weeks over there were floor spots. From those I got a couple more bookings for the following year.

It's really A LOT of work outside of the playing and singing and a willingness to as someone said above "not give up".

I still occasionally do an open mic here near to my home in New England and I'll turn up for a floor spot or singer's night on night off in the UK.

You can be successful. You may not get rich, but I am quite happy with the way things have turned out for me.

Debra Cowan