Does Talent Mean Nothing These Days?

  So as if I have mentioned before, I am in a band and we are completely self-sufficient right now.  And I don't mean that to be a good thing.  Most people don't realize how hard it is to just get a gig by yourself, without the luxury of a manager, booking agent, or promoter making you out to sound like hot shit.  Most clubs want to make sure you have a big draw (following) before they book you or they won't have anything to do with you.  But tell me, how is a band supposed to develop a following without playing a few gigs to begin with without one?  This is the catch 22 we find ourselves in often.  We just got 'replaced' from a club that we had a regular spot at because they weren't getting enough business, even though we have only played there less than a hand full of times.  Now if you're thinking to yourself "maybe it's because your band sucks", I don't blame you for thinking that but in fact we do not suck, we are actually really good (see for yourself www.gatesofedenmusic.com - and if you still think we suck you can kiss my ass).  Situations like this one would probably be a lot easier to swallow if we really weren't good, but the frustrating part is that we are good but for whatever reason we aren't getting the right kind of exposure.  But regarding clubs such as the one that just 'replaced' us (with a DJ no less, I'm sure people love listening to a snare & kick drum all night), don't bother hiring a band that's starting off if you're going to rely entirely on the band's following for business.  The club itself should have a draw of its own, & if it doesn't then perhaps it's the club that sucks and not the band, perhaps those $10 drinks aren't flying well with the clientele.  It seems that a new band could be the greatest band in the world with the most talent (not saying that's us, although like I said, we do ROCK), but if you can't pull a following out thin air, people want nothing to do with you.  It's like the old tree falling in the woods metaphor.  How about someone gives the underdog a f&#%ing chance!