I understand and agree with what machina is saying. I would like to add that most music that is a NECESSITY in terms of an income, by nature of the process becomes formulaic and results in a bland and unimaginative format. Each song is "typical" and more akin to a jingle rather than an emotive expression.

Having said that, music for film or advertising or Pop-music requires this approach and is therefore a business orientation. Its unfortunate that this format of music is accepted as mainstream and generally what all other music is measured against. We get truly creative original compositions measured against a very low common denominator. Thats what economics does to everything we do in this day and age.

I have struck a happy medium whereby I work just enough hours in a physically intensive job (to provide money & exercise at the same time) which allows me to upgrade gear and pay bills without tying me down too much. I find that after doing this for a while I now have a great cycle with no guilt and plenty of opportunity for stimulation in order to create Live sets & tracks. I have tried many methods but this is by far the best set-up for me ever :)

I have never expected to live off my music financially....its purely for a lifestyle for me.