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Originally Posted by Jamolah  Do you have any tips for less established players who want to break into touring without having to uproot to a major music centre? I live in the north of England, and the biggest market for musicians in the UK would, I suppose, be London. Is it impossible for me to get established as a professional if the industry is so far away?
Cheers for your advice (not to mention super-duper playing and awesomeness)
JP |
Thank you JP!
I don't see how you can get on a scene, break in playing with different ensembles on a club level, then get plucked for a national/international tour without being in a city where things are happening. I'll say this again and again: my chops and skills, while unique to me, are eclipsed by so many other bassists. What do I have that they don't? Well, there are a few things, and it's hard for me to analyze, but perhaps to varying degrees:
- A certain parity in taste with a certain group of people
- A deep record collection and lots of reference points
- An earnest and sociable demeanor
- Interest in the person across from me; not interest in myself
- The ability to be very flexible chameleon
That's all I can figure. But I'll tell you that part of the way, a BIG part of the way, that musicians here in LA make it into a larger landscape is to BE ON THE SCENE. You have to show your face. You have to be around, you have to show up at the cool gigs and the occasional cool bar! How the hell does one fall into great bands otherwise? Beats me!
Intrinsically, I hate social networking. And I hate the idea that I have to "be on a scene" in order to stake my claim in the music world. But you know what? At least in my sphere, it matters, big-time. It's probably the 2nd biggest promotional avenue besides your talents existing on their own.
Get out there. Show your face. Do things for free if they are good and deserve the assistance. Do things for the love of it. Be in lots of different scenes and/or bands. I STILL do all of that, even now.
Best,
JMJ
