Just moved across the country. Got any tips?

[jaymelewis]

I've lived here in LA my whole life and I want to move to Nashville within the year. It's way to expensive out here! So I'll be referencing this thread later when I do move. Subscribed - and thank you in advance to all for your input!

 

[Love_Bass]

Into the great wide open under them skies of blue..a bassist without a clue....

 

[basscapes]

Hello TB,
I recently moved from Orlando, FL to Los Angeles California with my girlfriend to pursue new work opportunities in stage production (and her in acting.) Back in Florida, I never really tried to gig as part of my income and mostly only played shows for original rock and metal groups that never really paid much. I still write and tour with some of these groups, but wanted to use the move as a way to buckle down and focus on bettering my playing and possibly gigging more with other styles (jazz, reggae, bar gigs, etc.)

In the two months I have been here, I have met a decent amount of local musicians through work and gatherings which has landed me one sub gig and offers for more unpaid original bands. I was curious if any of you have some wise words to share about adapting to a new town in the music world, ways to find decent gigs, how to get your foot in the door, and tips on how to feel out a new music scene/ find new promoters to work with. Also, if you have any specific information about the music scene in greater LA, that would be a huge help!

Thank you for any and all help!

Irony- I just moved BACK to Orlando (Clermont, actually). What bands were you in? Maybe I should go try out! LOL

 

[micguy]

My best tip:

Don't take up guitar. Staying with bass, you have some chance of working in LA.

 

[StyleOverShow]

Try the meetup group West LA Jazz, they meet in Westchester by the airport. I used to be a regular there along with fellow TBer NoStatic.

Also Sunday brunch jazz jams in South Bay at McHernans? Something like that. I'll try to remember some others and PM you.

Welcome to LA. It's a great city but def different than most 12 Million plus cities.

 

[bikeplate]

lived there for almost 20 years. I play more gigs since moving back east in 2 months then id play all year in SoCal.

 

[punchdrunk]

Best tip. Get a job (steady income) while looking for opportunities.

 

[tfernandez]

Try the meetup group West LA Jazz, they meet in Westchester by the airport. I used to be a regular there along with fellow TBer NoStatic.

Also Sunday brunch jazz jams in South Bay at McHernans? Something like that. I'll try to remember some others and PM you.

Welcome to LA. It's a great city but def different than most 12 Million plus cities.

Thanks, that is very appreciated!

Best tip. Get a job (steady income) while looking for opportunities.

Already there. I work in stage production as my main job. It's decent, quick, money so I have more time to practice and hunt gigs.

 

[madbass6]

Hello TB,
I recently moved from Orlando, FL to Los Angeles California with my girlfriend to pursue new work opportunities in stage production (and her in acting.) Back in Florida, I never really tried to gig as part of my income and mostly only played shows for original rock and metal groups that never really paid much. I still write and tour with some of these groups, but wanted to use the move as a way to buckle down and focus on bettering my playing and possibly gigging more with other styles (jazz, reggae, bar gigs, etc.)

In the two months I have been here, I have met a decent amount of local musicians through work and gatherings which has landed me one sub gig and offers for more unpaid original bands. I was curious if any of you have some wise words to share about adapting to a new town in the music world, ways to find decent gigs, how to get your foot in the door, and tips on how to feel out a new music scene/ find new promoters to work with. Also, if you have any specific information about the music scene in greater LA, that would be a huge help!

Thank you for any and all help!

awesome!! good for you and your girlfriend, Go for it!

 

[BboogieXVII]

It ain't that hard.
It took me six months to book myself twenty paid gigs a month, from the day I set foot in LA. Off little more than Craigslist ads and business cards.
OP dioesn't wanna do something like that if he's working another full time gig, but you can't spit in this town without hitting an "artist" and a good rhythm section player is always in demand.

Also, anyone in needs a sub in LA or OC feel free to PM me

Underneath your avatar says you are in Wisconsin, are you commuting?

 

[M0ses]

Underneath your avatar says you are in Wisconsin, are you commuting?

lol well that was probably last updated something like seven years ago