[citation][nom]waethorn[/nom]If you think the small artist can get decent enough gigs to get large sponsors and producers to back them, then you don't know the industry very well. The artists that actually make money on shows are the ones that fall into that crapton load that includes the "top 40" that are overplayed and that the sheep actually give a crap about seeing. The no-name ones "with actual talent" are the ones that end up broke doing roadshows and tours, so there is little incentive in doing it. Even when you do publish music, it costs tons of money to promote because advertising is just grossly over-expensive. There are few artists that stay popular anymore. If you're lucky, you might do 2-3 popular albums during your lifetime before people consider you a has-been. Producers don't give two shits about you because there are plenty of "artists" that they can put their money behind and promote until their popularity fades.So yes, what little money smaller artists make does actually make a difference to them.[/citation]
Even many of the small time bands in my area (and several others in other places that I've visited) can get shows together. If a band can't get any serious shows going at all, then either they are very unlucky, or they probably aren't too smart.
For example, just last year I went to a small show that had one and a half dozen or so local, small time bands. It was called A not So Silent Night. I'd never heard of all but one band and I only knew of that one because my sister played the electric guitar in it. If a band can't even manage something like this, then they should try harder.
Sure, what little money they make does make a difference, but they should be able to get at least small shows going every now and then.