The Big Question: NYC or L.A???

[girasoledonna]

Hey guys,So .... like many of you I just got back from the TAXI ROAD RALLY and spent 10 glorious days in L.A. It was an extremely rewarding trip, and I got a deal out of it that will surely change my life! I would never have been able to get this deal without TAXI and the RALLY!Now I'm back in South Jersey, and I'm contemplating my next move. I am wondering if maybe there are folks out there who have had a lot of success in this industry while remaining in small towns like mine - kind of a big fish/small pond theory? Like perhaps it might be easier to get placements that could fuel your career, instead of seeking A&R represenation the old-fashioned way. Also, the cost of living is relatively low here, and I can fund my goals because I live with my folks.I'm also interested in hearing from folks with took the 'big plunge' and moved to L.A. or NYC, and how things are going for them in the major cities. I'm weighing my options, and thinking perhaps I should relocate afterall.And If you were going to move to one, persay, anybody think one is better than the other for an aspiring performing singer/songwriter/pianist?I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts!From a jersey girl, Anj

[ernstinen]

Hi Anj,That is an EXCELLENT question, one that I struggled with over 20 years ago. I lived in SW Michigan, and was half way between Chicago and Detroit, but just felt that I had to choose between NYC and L.A. for the "big move." I chose L.A. after coming out for a short vacation. It was partially the weather, and Socal just seemed more "expansive" as compared to NYC, with the ocean, the mountains etc.BUT, and this is VERY important, I moved 2000 miles away from all my family and friends. Sure, I knew a couple of people in L.A. and started gigging immediately on keys, left hand bass, guitar & vocals, but it was an extreme culture shock for me, even though I was recently married and had a supportive wife. So what I'm saying is, as a "Jersey Girl," you might consider not moving all the way across the country. It's a very lonely proposition, unless you're VERY outgoing and aggressive.I don't regret moving to L.A., and have learned a LOT about the music biz, especially recording engineering, orchestration, songwriting, midi technology etc. etc. But since I gradually evolved from a rocker to symphonic composer , WHERE I live now doesn't matter much anymore. --- My wife has a fantastic job here, and a move to Outer Mongolia isn't in the cards right now! That's my story, an' I'm stickin' to it!Best Regards,Ern

[tedsingingfox]

and you can always look at it from this perspective, there, Anj...If you choose L.A. and things don't go all that well, at least you can sleep outdoors pretty much year 'round if you have to...

[Casey H]

Nov 19, 2008, 3:29pm, tedsingingfox wrote:and you can always look at it from this perspective, there, Anj...If you choose L.A. and things don't go all that well, at least you can sleep outdoors pretty much year 'round if you have to... Good point, Ted! Anj, I have an old refrigerator box if you ever need it... Once again, it was fun meeting you at the rally... Tough call but I'd say LA. Casey

[kg]

Nine out of ten people I know who move to LA come back "home" crying after a short period of time...that's definitely not to say that you would be one of those people, but to put everything in perspective, I think you should write out your 1 through 10 year goals and then decide how to facilitate them. If indeed LA or NY facilitates the incubation period of the plan, then it may very well mean packing up and moving tomorrow or maybe not for a year. Maybe having the funds behind your career is more important than where you are based right now. I won't be on the boards much since it's crunch time for both music and day job right now, but if you want to chat let me know.

[partyofone]

Hey Anj,I'll share with you a few LA stories of my friends...My friends were in a band signed to Elektra and actually got to quit their day jobs and do music exclusively for a few years, but unfortunately the deal eventually went sour. After that they moved out to L.A. to try for another deal and made a real go of it for a few years but eventually came back to Nashville. I personally think Nashville has a lot to offer, espeically for songwriters (country or OTHERWISE), and the cost of living here is very reasonable compared to NYC and LA. PLUS, most people don't realize how much great non-country music is going here. Check out an issue of Performing Songwriter (published in Nashville) and you can get a feel for some of diverse and great music here.My other friend worked for a major independent publshing company and transferred out to L.A. He also stayed for a year or two and ended up back in Nashville. On the other hand... another person from here moved out to L.A. and has been flourishing doing work for film, soundtracks, and various recording projects. Not at ALL trying to discourage, but I feel like L.A. can be tough and I personally would rather be in a city like Nashville that's cheaper to live but still has some industry presence. What's great about Taxi is that I feel like I can also be connected to rest of the world and build a career from anywhere. Once I have my career established more I would definitely consider moving out to L.A. though.

[hummingbird]

not sure why this is posted twice, but I answered on the other thread

[happyron]

I was at another music conference in LA and everyone was talking about how rough the "LA Scene" is for struggling musicians, it shocked me cause everyone sounded exactly like the musicians here in San Diego sound about the San Diego Scene. I asked point blank "so is it better to move to LA or build something at home" and the crowd said in MASSE, "STAY HOME" build your scene where you are. Course this was for performers like me, not people trying to do instrumental backings and the like, but it made me Happy to stay in my beloved SAN DIEGO. PS. I just wrote a song called IF YOU'RE BORED IN SAN DIEGO IT'S YOUR FAULT. up now at http://www.happyron.com/?page_id=55Seya!