If you had to start all over again...

HolyGrowl · #1 03-04-2009, 09:13 AM

...today in 2009 and you were new on the scene,

What would you do?
Where would you hang out?
Would you still choose LA and if so why and why not NYC or London or anywhere else in the world?
How much time do you expect it would take you to break into the scene and lose the day job?

Thanks

jmjbassplayer · #2 03-04-2009, 11:17 AM

I'd choose LA because I still think it has the largest and most diverse scene, particularly in relation to my tastes.

I'd probably join about four different good bands, and burn the midnight oil with nonstop activity, along with a day job if needed, etc.

I'd offer myself for session work within any budget, including no budget.

Then I'd suss out which band was on the ascent and start to pare down to focus on that.

I'd go out every night after band practice or gigs to clubs where music was going on, and not just hipster spots.

How much time to break into the scene and lose the day job? Hard to say...6 months to 3 years?

Best,
JMJ

DustinRinehart · #3 03-09-2009, 02:01 PM

Adding to this question: What areas of LA would you recommend moving to for someone who is just getting started and obviously on a very modest budget?

This is a serious question, believe it or not, as I'm about 90% sure that I'll be making the move within a year's time. I'm in the process of doing as much research as humanly possible at the moment, so any information is extremely helpful!

jmjbassplayer · #4 03-09-2009, 04:59 PM

It's all very pricey, but more affordable in the San Fernando valley, I'd say.

thombo · #5 03-09-2009, 06:08 PM

south-central is reasonably priced.

jmjbassplayer · #6 03-09-2009, 06:21 PM

Yeah, so is deep Riverside County.

HolyGrowl · #7 03-10-2009, 04:03 PM

So what I gather is that it's just a matter of time and dedication if one has all it takes attitude-wise, musically and technically?

Are there that much music career opportunities in LA to give someone the hope that if he has what it takes he will make it and that it's just a matter of hammering it no matter what time it takes?

jmjbassplayer · #8 03-10-2009, 04:16 PM

There's music career opportunities everywhere. It comes down to you in terms of if you get them or not.

It's very difficult for me to quantify the amount of career opportunities here. Things are tight, that's for sure. But people with enough skill and determination make it anywhere, it seems.

JMJ

WickedPissah · #9 04-01-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustinRinehart

Adding to this question: What areas of LA would you recommend moving to for someone who is just getting started and obviously on a very modest budget?

This is a serious question, believe it or not, as I'm about 90% sure that I'll be making the move within a year's time. I'm in the process of doing as much research as humanly possible at the moment, so any information is extremely helpful!

Not Santa Monica.