Just moved to England from the continent,

reording an album and gigging around with my band, expecially in London area even if we're recording (and basically living) at Real World studios near Bath.

Can someone explain me how can London music scene keep on living out of the slavery of the moltitude of bands who are willing to play in any hole for no money and totally unpromoted 20 minute gigs?

What is the promoters role in this scene? Are they only trying to squeeze money out of the band's friends coming to watch the gigs??

Do you guys know any promoter who is actually doing the promotion?