Well, here's what I'm up to with all this:
I have songs that have been positively received by people higher and higher up the food chain, in the U.S and U.K. At this point I'm negotiating with a studio in Boston to crowd-fund an album of these songs. Anyone I might shop these songs to wants to hear finished, polished, radio-ready singles, and this is my best chance to do so. I'll hire a studio drummer, but I can play and sing everything else.
I have no interest in being a full-time performer. Lots of people do, however, and they need material. I'd be just as happy to get these songs into the hands of someone who can get them out there.
For now, I'm registering everything with BMI, networking, and gearing up for an Indiegogo fundraising campaign.
I've learned a heck of a lot since originally posting this thread and am on the yellow brick road, off to see the wizard.