Another point is that artists should be very careful picking the people who work with and for them. I call these people “The Handlers”: managers, booking agents, road managers, pr people.

Often the artist does not really know how these people and/or firms operate.

“The Handlers” often blow a great opportunity by not responding to an inquiry at all.

I know of some major artists who will NOT be invited back to major events because of the attitudes of their “Handlers”. And the artist had no idea.

Remember, promoters talk to each other.

On the other hand, I have seen a successful artist that was humble enough to wash dishes in the green room after headlining in front of 1500 people.

There are a lot of talented artists out there. But the ones who build “golden rule” type relationships and strive to serve others really stand out to the people who work in the industry.