I think becoming a well-known artist in any form is a combination of talent, effort, and lucky timing. You can control the first 2, but whether or not people connect with your work isn't really up to you, particularly music. Having the right person hear it at the right time who happens to be able to give you a break is a big part of it. But you actually have to do it and be good enough to express yourself in a way people connect with to be seen/heard. I do agree that there's something that feels soulless about stuff like Steve Vai vs Cobain. One is more rooted in composition whereas the other is rooted in emotional expression and I think people, by and large, connect more with the latter. Probably because it seems attainable, whereas watching an incredibly talent musician is more of a wonder (like I can't do that, wow what talent vs man this person is just barring a soul up there and I understand how they feel).
Just because someone's playing Zeppelin covers in a bar doesn't mean they aren't/weren't also great artists themselves. Maybe they're on their way, maybe they're just enjoying themselves after the dream is gone. Doesn't really matter. I almost always enjoy live music regardless of "quality". It's just fun to watch people give it their all.
The interesting thing about film vs other art forms, is you can actually make a living in it without being a household name. It employs so many varied people it's crazy, and the one who painted the sets is as much of an artist as the CGI animator as the person shaping the light, as the person controlling the focus. Sometimes it's more involved than other times. Sometimes you're painting a wall white, sometimes it's a mural. Sometimes you're animating dust, sometimes you're animating a crucial part of the character expression. You can be a session musician, but even that's a tough go. Most people playing live music in bars are just wanting to have a good time and hopefully someone enjoys it.
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