Philboy and JW,
If I may comment before MAB comes on and tells it better than I ever could.
Certainly there have always been a handful of songwriters and gifted performers that beat the odds and became successful because they took the chances to fight the odds and became successful; which later helped them become famous. JW, for all of the Goerge Martin's out there, how many others tried and didn't get anywhere???
Philboy, for all of the talents like The Eagles, Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks and so many others that made it, how many trying to follow in their footsteps never made it. Thousands; if not hundreds of thousands; maybe even more with the exposure of the internet. I truly don't know.
My point was meant to be this; anyone trying to live the dream that has tremendous musical talents, to cause them to follow their musical dreams; by giving up a job, giving up an education, move to a major music city, and hoping to be the one in a thousand that make it, have my respect and understanding; but also my sympathy because I know how that dream may take over a sensible mind and cause decisions that most will regret later. Oh, not everyone but most of them.
So while we are on the topic of those that stick it out and become famous, mentioning the famous names Philboy and JW mentioned, it's true only those that try, and take the risks involved, may ever see any reward for their efforts. So considering that fact; most of those that gave everything and sacrificed so much have lost everything trying to follow their so called dreams.
Hey, MAB knows more of these people than I could ever claim to know; but even at my lower level as a bar room musician, I know of a few singers and musicians that "went for it" and fell short of making a living from music and are having a difficult time financially today because of it. I admit the small handfull I know personally are around my age and while I'm enjoying a modest retirement; because I didn't have their God given talents (I once wished I had); they are having a tuff time making ends meet.
So when living room writers on songwriting sites like this and others, suggest they have written songs worthy of those written by the Pro's, I don't think they have a clue what it takes to become a Pro writer/artist and the life the others have had to endure. Just like me, I'm guessing most of them are living okay, able to pay their bills; without any knowledge what so many others have sacrificed and fell short on. Sure a few of them made it; but for every successfull artist and songwriter out there that made it, thousands if not hundred's of thousands of others didn't make it.
So if MAB may share his outlook that sounds a little discouraging to some, know he is only trying to share the "Reality Wall" they may face and save the weak and unprepared from the heartache they may face. Best to realize it early before you give up everything; rather than once you've moved to a major music city and realize it the hard way. Then, those that won't take "no" for an answer and continue on regardless of the cost; maybe one of them may make it and beat the odds; but rest assured the odds are not good. I just hope they have the fortitude and Talent to get them there. Just sayin.
OD