Relocating to London in 2010!

[MysticMichael]

Fellow TalkBassers:

I have plans to relocate from New York to London approximately a year from now (target date: 1 September, 2010). I'm going to return to university to pursue postgraduate studies in music (part-time), support myself by running a turn-key e-business (also part-time) - and spend the remainder of my available time working the London music scene, i.e. picking up paying gigs, doing session work, etc. All the while networking to recruit and develop my dream band.

You all should know that I'm no noob. I've traveled to London several times previously, have stayed there for extended periods, know my way around, and have friends there - the basis for a solid personal network. Moreover, I'm going into this move with my eyes wide open from a career development standpoint - with a good grip on the business side of things, as well as a clear vision of what I intend to accomplish.

I've started this thread in order to establish dialogue with any of our British TalkBass members who may feel so generous as to assist me in building my London network, help me to make key local connections well in advance of my big leap, and/or simply to advise me on various logistical issues and other issues to help make my transition a smooth and successful one.

Please feel free to post your suggestions publicly - or you are more than welcome to correspond with me privately via PM or email. Naturally I'll keep monitoring the thread, and I may bump it from time to time as I feel it necessary, to keep it visible and maintain momentum in the discussion.

Many thanks for your consideration. And as they so often say on your side of "the pond"...

Cheers,

MM

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Cheers,

MM

I have NEVER heard anyone in the UK say that unless they're drinking.

Just kidding...

Anyway, best of luck with that. Personally, I have to say that I think you'll find you can reach your educational aspirations over here, but as far as making any significant proportion of your necessary income from gigs and sessions - that will be REALLY tough. Possibly tougher in London that NYC. Keep doing your homework with your eyes open and an objective stance. Best of luck, though. If you do get here, there's a few TBers around who will make you welcome, I'm sure.

Cheers.

[Techmonkey]

best of luck in your relocation... I'm moving to london in 3 weeks to start a 6 year intercalated MBBS at UCL. perhaps I'll see you round and about!

of course I don't think I'd be much good for networking - although I do expect to be playing music out pretty regularly, so who knows who I will meet!

nevertheless, if over the next year anything interesting happens or I learn anything good, or if you just fancy going out for a pint, either way I'll send you a pm!

[René_Julien]

Originally Posted by bassybill

I have NEVER heard anyone in the UK say that unless they're drinking.

How could you tell? ???







MysticMichael,

Good for you to follow your dreams and ambitions.

Good luck in London.




Now, one more thing.


Where's my shrubbery?

[MysticMichael]

Bill,

Thanks. But if things go according to plan, I won't need to reply upon sessions & gigs for a major portion of my income - at least not right away. That's what having the business gig on the side is all about - to free me up to recreate my career the way I want to - without having to scramble for a subsistence. Besides, this is a long-term process.


Monkey,

All the best with your own transition as well - though you'll be coming from a much shorter distance than yours truly. Feel free to keep in touch.


René,

Thanks for your good wishes too. I will get you a shrubbery. It will be a good shrubbery - you will like the laurels particularly. But it'll have to wait for me to get to England. Trust me, you wouldn't want one of the disgusting shrubberies that come from New York City.

MM

[Kosko]

Best of luck man, I plan on visiting London around the end of May next year. Doing trip through Amsterdam, Switzerland, Florence, London and maybe Germany. It'll be my first time through Europe, luckily my girlfriend is good a travel planning.

The tickets and bed & breakfasts's look like they should run just under $3500 for two people for two weeks including train tickets with a 5 country pass. I can't wait :-)

[Lesfunk]

Sounds like fun. HAve a blast!

[Tama]

Wow, well....good for you!!!

London would be exciting for someone who has never been....not so much if you lived there all your life.

Thats because the locals have seen it all.
But for you, it will be very exciting I am sure.

I'd visit the Dunhill pipe factory, all the regular tourist places and maybe if they let me, the Sheffield cutlery factory....Rolls Royce !!!!

England has so many world-class factories that produce the worlds finest: cutlery, automobiles, tobacco pipes and more !!!

All this in a country the size of Wisconsin !!!

I have a friend who lives in I think Lancashire. I hope to get the money to go visit her someday.

I know my idea of England and reality are likely different....but I'd love to visit and check out all the historical sites.

Good luck & have fun !!!

Cheers, Dave

[ksandvik]

The only nice thing with London/England is that it seems most of the modern and interesting indie bands start their career there. Otherwise I doubt there's much work for session players or live work, unless you have lots of good connections.

[Microbass]

Originally Posted by ksandvik

The only nice thing with London/England is that it seems most of the modern and interesting indie bands start their career there. Otherwise I doubt there's much work for session players or live work, unless you have lots of good connections.

this statement is so narrow minded i lol'd.

the indie scene is thriving, yes, but there is plenty of musical work there - west end productions, TV, dinner gigs, hotel gigs etcetcetc, same as any other big time city - however you gotta be at the absolute top of your game if you want to succeed. being at a music school there will point you in the right directions, and the london arts school dont piss around.

[MysticMichael]

Additional thoughts, opinions, experiences and/or suggestions?

MM