I fully agree with Nicole above about the day job - I could definitely do without mine if I didn't need it to carry on paying the mortgage! And as for audiences that demand the Wild Rover, Country Roads, et al, well, I'll sing those songs if I'm asked and getting paid, and I won't pull a face about doing so. I remember thirty-odd years ago when I could get very few gigs because I was folk-based and it wasn't popular then. But audiences in folk clubs were very discriminating and very knowledgeable about the history of the traditional songs. They wouldn't wear it if you only did copies (covers) of arrangements by more well-known artistes.

Now, though, I find even in folk clubs, some (not all) audiences will want to hear at least some songs that they're familiar with, even if they are peppered with ones they don't know. And gone completely are the days when I would be complimented on my "obvious research".

And beginner singers will (unknowingly) sing The Wild Rover etc in a folk club, because - it's a good song! I've even been asked to sing The Fields of Athenry on a folk club gig, and been happy to comply.

I think we can all thank the relatively recent Irish music popularity for the increased number of gigs available, even if a lot of those gigs are in public bars. It's a lot more difficult entertaining a non-folk audience, you do have to work a lot harder, but it certainly pays better. Those gigs do make you appreciate the "easier" ones, though, where you can indulge yourself (to a certain extent) in playing more of what you prefer to play.

And, for the record, I didn't look at the content of this thread under its original title - I didn't think the content would be interesting - just goes to show the importance of choosing a title (or perhaps I shouldn't be so discriminating?...)

Hope to see you sometime soon at Swinton, Spot.

Joan