Freelancer town

mrkode · #1 04-02-2008, 08:07 AM

Hey there,

Just wanted to know what you think is the best city for freelance musicians in the world.

A place where there's plenty of gig opportunities, where the profession is well supported by the local union and the government and a place where arts are considered by it's population.

I can tell you right now it's not Montreal and I'm considering a move.

nsmar4211 · #2 04-02-2008, 03:37 PM

If you find a place like that you're gonna have to keep it to yourself

.
Union? Support from gov't? Don't come to Florida! No union or gov't handouts here........

*goes back to trying to find gigs*

**Pacman** · #3 04-02-2008, 03:40 PM

Atlanta. Plenty of work, for everybody. If you're good, if you can read, if you can groove - you'll be in tall cotton.

Bass Boy · #4 04-02-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkode

Hey there,

Just wanted to know what you think is the best city for freelance musicians in the world.

A place where there's plenty of gig opportunities, where the profession is well supported by the local union and the government and a place where arts are considered by it's population.

I can tell you right now it's not Montreal and I'm considering a move.

Hang in there. This is always the worst time of year in this town.

I've found that if you want to make a living as a bassist/musician here you need to be quite diverse. Play all styles, read, teach etc. There are grants available from the Quebec government as well. Every little bit helps! (and even then it isn't always enough!)

I agree the clubs scene is pretty crap right now (at least of you want to paid) and the recording/studio scene is slow too, not that it was great to begin with. With the current economic grumblings south of the border it will probably get worse before it improves.

At least summer here makes it all worthwhile!

I notice you play with Andy Dacoulis. Tell him Randy from McGill says Hi!

mrkode · #5 04-03-2008, 09:00 AM

Alanta heh?

I actually was contemplating either London or NYC but I might have a look there as well.

I'll try and travel a couple times to each city within a year or so and attend some jam sessions.

**Pacman** · #6 04-03-2008, 09:55 AM

Ok, well I missed the part where you mentioned a useful union and government supports the arts.

But other than that, yeah. Atlanta's a great town.

winston · #7 04-03-2008, 10:22 AM

Chicago was pretty happening when I lived there ('90-'96). At least then it was possible to live in a decent place for cheap and get around easily on public transportation. Outstanding food, great diversity, lousy weather.

Lots of interesting scenes/subcultures without the trendiness of NY, SF, or LA, and it some great music/arts communities. Lots of gig opportunities if you're motivated (Ken Vandermark, anyone?)

lefty007 · #8 04-03-2008, 11:18 AM

I think any big city has potential if you are outstanding. If you read and play exceptionally well, and are responsible and professional, you can make it anywhere. Word spreads around fast when a new good kat comes into town.

If you are mediocre in one way or the other, you will have a hard time anywhere.

For example, Miami is known for being a bad town for working musicians, but I've seen many "kids" raise from Monday-night open mics, to world-class touring and recording situations.

Bass Boy · #9 04-03-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkode

A place where there's plenty of gig opportunities, where the profession is well supported by the local union and the government and a place where arts are considered by it's population.

Exactly, instead of the union becoming corrupt like it has been here the past few years. Gotta love it when the union is ripping off the people they are supposedly supporting.

mrkode · #10 04-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefty007

I think any big city has potential if you are outstanding. If you read and play exceptionally well, and are responsible and professional, you can make it anywhere. Word spreads around fast when a new good kat comes into town.

If you are mediocre in one way or the other, you will have a hard time anywhere.

For example, Miami is known for being a bad town for working musicians, but I've seen many "kids" raise from Monday-night open mics, to world-class touring and recording situations.

That's how it's "supposed" to be.

However, in the reality of a small market, it doesn't matter how good you are. It's who you know.

mrkode · #11 04-03-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Boy

Exactly, instead of the union becoming corrupt like it has been here the past few years. Gotta love it when the union is ripping off the people they are supposedly supporting.

The way things work around here is very strange.

In europe, mostly in germany from what i heard, musicians are entitled to layoff compensations the same way a person working a regular job does. But it's a cultural thing. There, musicians or any artists for that matter are viewed as cultural embassadors and culture is valued right from grade school.

Here.... musicians are viewed as alcoholics potheads. Culture and history are a joke. The government don't inject money in culture. In schools (except if you go to a musical only school which are very rare and mostly private) you get good programs, grants and money if you're in sports, if you study anything that has to do with culture, you don't get any support.