Starting up with a band ..

Bear Fax Band

Budding musicians may say, "look, getting a paid gig is not easy" .. well,  It's kind'a  "you gotta pay your dues first"  performance path. Unfortunately the bottom rung of this ladder does not have a minimum wage.

Listen, ain't no illusions here, okay? The higher rungs don't have a wage band either. 

Here's and example of a performing musician's (https://www.youtube.com/@guitaro5000) tale - From a fired waiter to busker and beyond. The percussion part of his play comes from a sardine can top, from a collection he amassed while fueling his musical path.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5fI1Jhka1Y&ab_channel=guitaro5000

Just go out and sell yourselves by performing. No playing wizardry, instead just a good sound, Just be confident of what you can do. Reach out to the audience and they will watch.  Don't trying perfecting execution in the studio - it's a controlled enviroment and not helpful in dealing with live performing.