They call him "Demon Fingers"

[Jihadjoe]

While this is drifting from the subject and even agree mostly, I need to mention that its not the same music industry it was 10 years ago, 20 years go or even 30 years ago. The system has evolved into a state of things where while its very easy for someone like myself or anyone to create an independent record label, market themselves and then promote it, its an even more impossible situation to make a living off of it by music alone. Thus the paradox is formed because to truly make it in the industry you have to be willing to give it your blood , sweat and tears (as my friend from Machine Head said). The market is saturated with independent sources. (especially in my genre of Electronica because its said to be 'easy to do with a computer' <--- hahahahaha another whole discussion) The idea that one can make an album and basically distribute it globally for a very low cost without a major record label isn't that far fetched, but from a realistic standpoint is an exercise in vanity and borderline stupidity.

A guitarist in particular, where I once stood, is at the mercy of a band at all time. One gets married, one goes to school... it was the summer of 69... etc. Been there done that. Several times. You find that solo operations may suit you better, but still it doesnt change the fact that promoting yourself still isnt enough sadly. For those that give up, yes truly sad. Those that really do try and have to come to reality with the way things are... even sadder.

Sidenote: Long live Buckethead. Totally underappreciated.

Amen man. Bucket melts faces. I works as a live sound engineer so most of what you say there rings true, however this is a fairly major topic swerve now.

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