Only two things I know about music for certain: 1) Recording all starts at the source. Great playing/arrangement will reveal itself even through a shitty recording. 2) One never "succeeds", really. Popularity waxes and wanes. Those who love what they are doing and continue to practice, develop, and grow in their understanding of their craft will be fulfilled in life, without the need for the external validation of fame and fortune (but it's real nice to get)