...and just like the movie says it's more about being cool, dependable, and easy to get along with than it is about being the best player.
I'm nowhere near the greatest in the world at my instruments. From the mid-80s to the early 90s, I tried to "make it" in music. Failed miserably, but watching documentaries like this one help me to not feel like a failure in that regard.
When I was gigging, regardless of the instrument, I'd get a lot of calls. There was a time when I was truly busy. Before long, I had a reputation, which resulted in fewer auditions and more invitations to just do it.
My "secret" to all of it was stuff that just made common sense. I'd be well-rehearsed and know my stuff when we're in a room that costs money, be it band rehearsal or recording. I show up early enough to have time left over to change a flat tire. I can play AND sing. I don't swing my ego around like a giant stick, trying to hit everyone with it. I play for the song, and not in a way where I have to have attention. I don't party or get wasted before a show. AFTER the show, we can party, but even then, I won't be passing out or puking everywhere.
Most of that has nothing to do with playing an instrument, outside of being rehearsed and prepared. It's work ethic and a desire to do a great job.
I can't tell you how many "musicians" I've encountered over the years who don't want to get together to play, because football was more important. Make that "basketball" when I lived in Indiana.
But the most confusing ones are those who will go through the trouble to audition, taking things to a certain point, and the bailing out at the last minute. I think that in most cases this is pure fear. When a band is writing and rehearsal, the logical next steps are either recording or performing. I've seen stage fright and the fear of tape machines. It's not pretty.
I didn't recognize it right away, and it would be confusing. I'd tell myself that I moved over 2,000 miles to this crap city so that I can take a honest swing at this. Who moves to LA, goes to auditions, and then bails out without warning or explanation?
Most of these situations were not nearly as big as what is in the documentary, but it's where many people will start, with the hopes of being discovered and brought into the fold.
When you have two musicians who are similar in ability, the deciding factor can be something as simple as being easy to get along with, or having a certain look. My look worked against me in the late 80s, when everyone had big hair, was pretty, and had an Italian last name or a stage name. Those things were desirable in the A-list players of that time, and I didn't have it.
I figured I'm eternally B-list, although today I don't see myself on a list at all. I just love playing my instruments, and don't care about getting paid, having an audience, or even playing songs. I've gotten to meet some of the people in this documentary, and they're level-headed people. That helps to keep them in demand.