MAB,
If I may make a comment about younger songwriters and artist's trying to break into the music industry.
It reminds me so much of myself back when I began learning the carpentry trade so many years ago. I had graduated high school and given up on college due to an event you know about, got a job at a factory, later got drafted into the Army, and returned back to the factory job before going on to college for a couple of years. Sadly I had developed a desire to party and that changed everything. I quit school and got a job with a very well known builder in my area to learn a trade. This is the comparison I'd like to make.
At the time, I was so young and dumb I didn't have any idea about the challenges that were facing me. I had no idea how dumb I was and the skills I would have to learn. I recall very well thinking a couple years later; after being in the trade for awhile; just how dumb I was and if I had known how much I had to learn I may not have bothered in the first place.
Now in my case learning the carpentry trade was not a "Dream" of mine but it was interesting to learn the skills (at first) and barely paid my bills at the time. Back in 1970 when I got my first factory job the average pay for a low level assembly line worker was $3.25 and hour. Five years later I would begin an apprenticeship in carpentry for $3.00 an hour. S.O.B. Not any wages that is going to get anyone rich or allow them to buy a nice home or drive a new car. Thankfully my wages improved as I rose through the ranks and got better paying jobs; but that is not my comparison quite yet.
It goes back to my statement of being "Young and Dumb" which allows me to understand how a young singer/songwriter can have a dream to become an artist; without realizing the challenges that lay ahead of them. No doubt 99% of them will realize it the hard way and give up; which only leaves room for the 1% that don't know any different and will find some room in the music business even if they only play clubs and never reach any major success.
You get frustrated with some of them when they don't have a clue or even bother to take your advise and listen how they could increase their odds should they insist on going on trying to follow their dreams. I get frustrated with some of them because it's obvious even to me they are only average and don't have a chance in hell. I wish I could grab them, shake them up a litte bit, and convince them to get a real job and build a future in another field of work. However; most of them will not listen if it's not something they want to hear. Also more and more generations will come along and have the same dream they will have to learn how to deal with for themselves. I wish it were easy for everyone to realize their dreams; but all of us know that will never be the case.
As much as I admire your talents and the talents of many others, I'm so happy I sucked at it and had to get a real job that now allows me a retirement income and a chance to be lazy. Not the best ending to every story but the end to my story. God Bless those trying to make it, I wish them all the best.
OD