[ipaddr]

Plenty of musical groups make a living locally and not only pop music. If you play a classic instrument you get opportunities for festivals, parades, weddings, local shows. Joining a marching band can pay for your schooling for example.

Many classic rock bands with members in their 40/50/60s perform live, have a local following and make good money without selling CDs.

Cover bands are often local and make good coin without album sales.

Then you have musicians performing children who get paid.

You are never going to be a pop star or a VC rocketship company but few are. But you can make a solid living just performing locally.