From the "music loving" side of me I would have to say skills. But we all know that the music industry is a biatch. Or mor correctly: Giant Psycopathic Pimp.

So the rational side of me says: looks, contacts, money and skills.

Yet, today has the big advantages of: cheap and good recording gear. Distribution is also posssible for everyone. So I'm optimistic because it is possible for ppl to record and release music easily!

great post btw!