Music scene in England (or just outside US)

[bassist15]

I wouldnt say the music scene in the US is to great. Emo and metal being the two biggest types of music. There are not to many popular jazz , funk , or old school rock type bands that really catch my attention here in the US. So how is the jazz/funk scene in say England ?

[bassybill]

Well, the band I'm in fits this description to some extent and we still get booked for fairly commercial types of gigs and weddings, but not as much as I'd like. And we don't get to play our originals as much as I'd like either - people don't want original material at wedding gigs. So all in all I'd say it's not too great here, either, but there are some good signs to a limited extent. Lots of kids here are into 70s and 80s stuff in a retro way, probably because so much of their contemporary stuff is crap.

[dhadleyray]

There are two levels in England, either you make ********* of money, or no money. The English will ask what are you doing over here? Isn't there enough work in the states?

I'm currently working for 2 different companies and I can promise you, that as an American, you'll need 5 years to figure out how to do business with the English. The reputation of being emotionally "restrained" is true to mark. People would rather string you along, "in case you do something," rather than say no. This can go on for years..

Trust me, I know...

There is no Jazz, Funk scene of much merit. Forgive me for saying it, but when I look in the papers in America, for a band to see, I say, "Wow, _____ playing at _____, I better go see them.." Over here, I usually wind up saying "Who?" There are some good players over here, but I'm looking for someone "internationally famous." There ain't many, if any over here..IMO...

Don't do it, the scenes are completely different,

unless.......

you have contacts waaaaay up in the industry, you will waste your time.

There has also been an influx of poles here, and other Eastern Europeans, also looking for fame and fortune. Why should your American behind get in front of them? (That's an unspoken question, guaranteed!)

The industry, from what I've been told, isn't signing anyone.

Unless....

you are sooooooo exceptional, where they sign you, only to keep the competition from doing it. They're spending most of their money trying to prevent people on the net from stealing what's already there.

As far as, the scene is concerned, from a music perspective...

bands are popular again, and a lot of them are getting signed.(Remember, getting signed doesn't mean success) Yes, I know, I contradict myself, but, it's not surprising really... It is the music business.

Denmark, Germany, and Spain are better scenes IMO for Jazz for a "working" musician. For business, you'll wind up in London, LA, or New York eventually..

I would be more detailed, but I hate typing!!!

Good luck, it's a mean ol' world!