Katz

If you were really serious about a career in music, I'd recommend applying to Berkely College of Music, Music Tech in the twin cities or some other music education institution. If you major in songwriting, you meet other aspiring artists to play your songs and a load of other connections. My friend is graduating from Music Tech this spring and he already has a job lined-up with Warner Bros. If that's not your game, then try recording a demo and handing out copies to DJ's in the area.

I don't really listen to country at all, mostly because it all sounds the same, but I do like The Gambler - Kenny Rodgers, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot, and anything Johnny Cash.