I try to look at my music as something that I do because I enjoy it. I play in a casual/amateur band and I regularly have to remind the guys that I do it for no other reason than because I enjoy it; I'm not interested in playing gigs. Not everyone sees it the same way.

I know a few musicians that tried to make a living out of music similar to your story. Most have now stopped making music and are both frustrated with the music industry, and angry at listeners for not valuing their work.