The Opening Band doesn’t usually get the audience’s attention. The audience is not really and audience yet, just a bunch of people milling around, tailgating.
The Opening Band works hard to put on a good show, just as hard as the Headliner. Writing, arranging and recording songs takes a lot of time and is financially and emotionally expensive.
The volume is low and the sound is muddy. Lighting and other effects are minimal. The pay is not great.
There are two reasons to be the Opening Band: exposure and experience, which are good reasons.
But the time comes, sooner than later, that the Opening Band needs to test its mettle in the market, to measure what it is really worth.
The Opening Band has to make the leap, risk it all.
And become the Headliner.