At one time or another, most people have stood in front of a mirror, broomstick in hand, imagining themselves playing guitar in front of ten-thousand people.

For many artists in the Philadelphia area, the dream is real.

In recent years, the Philadelphia music scene has come alive with a wealth of talent. More and more bands are trying harder to “make it.”

But how is the scene holding up? Can bands still get signed out of Philadelphia? If they do get signed, can they survive in the national market?

According to Matt Vick, disc jockey at campus radio station WGLS, “Musical style tends to run in cycles… there is a redistribution of the local scene.”

A few years ago, the bands that were drawing attention were pop bands like The Hooters and Tommy Conwell. Later, the trend fell toward hard rock bands like Cinderella and Britny Fox.

Lately, the scene seems to be switching to street and alternative groups like Boyz II Men and The Dead Milkmen.

However, many Philadelphia bands don’t seem to be able to remain signed. One has to admit a pattern is emerging.

Roughhouse signed and was dropped. Heaven’s Edge did the same. Bricklin and Tangier suffered similar consequences.

Even seemingly established bands like the Hooters and Britny Fox were dropped from their label within the past year.

What can a newly signed band do to remain on a label?

“Now more than ever, the long-term existence of a band depends on self promotion. Getting any type of a record deal isn’t enough anymore,” explained Vick.

Even bands that have been signed now must do much of their own promotion to get their name known and establish a following.

So how about unsigned bands? How hard is it to get signed?

“It’s a constant uphill struggle to get signed out of Philadelphia, even if you have all of the elements working for you,” said Henri Virkler, lead singer of UFORIA, a local hard-rock band.

Is there anything bands are doing differently now to become successful?

“Local bands are becoming more aware of the full package of themselves,” said Vick.

The bottom line though is the clubs. To become successful, a band must draw crowds at the local clubs.

Cyndi Drue, DJ at WMMR and host of “Street Beat,” a local music show, thinks not enough people go to clubs, and club owners should have more all-ages nights.

Vick agrees. “Unfortunately, due to the present weak economy, people are losing out on some real quality shows,” he said.