New to Los Angeles, want to pursue the dream.. need advice

[sixstringking713]

Hey all -

I recently moved to Los Angeles and I'm trying to pursue guitar (who isnt? haha). Luckily I am fortunate to have an income to live off of other than music but I really want to exhaust every avenue to try and make a career in music on the side. I have joined a band here in Los Angeles but the guys just dont seem as committed as I am and I am looking to quit and spend the time recording an instrumental album or finding a more committed band. It seems like there's this large rift between people who want a band just for fun as a hobby, and other people who take music seriously and have a large amount of dedication(but still have fun). Unfortunately, usually these people with the large amount of dedication are fulltime musicians who only work for hire for session work, or they already have their pre-existing bands the've been in.

I guess I'm struggling to find musicians that have dedication and talent that arent already in a band. How do I break-through to find better musicians and/or how do I try to get session work?

My plan of action right now:
*Record an instrumental album and mix/produce it myself to showcase my ability
*Record youtube videos of Van Halen, ACDC, SRV, Pink Floyd covers of all the guitar greats
*Go to venues and talk with bands after the show?

What about agents? Do any of you have experience working with agents? I have NO clue how this typically works and how much it typically costs. Because I am new here, I am curious if having an agent would assist me in getting exposure?

I'm not doing this for the money, I will even perform for free. I just want to get exposure and have people hear me and see where it leads.

Any advice is appreciated

 

[shgshg]

Network, network, network. Being good doesn't get you a career, being good and having people know you and trust you gets you a career.

 

[bonedarrell]

make a career in music on the side???

 

[JerEvil]

Network, network, network. Being good doesn't get you a career, being good and having people know you and trust you gets you a career.

This. I'm in Vegas. There is a smallish group of well known (here anyway) guys that play all the time. Very hard to break in to that group. Just gotta get out and play your ass off.

LA has 10001 brilliant players and probably only 1/3 get recognized. Just go where people are and get your name out there.

I am currently auditioning for 4 solid working projects but getting my own press kit and website together.

 

[petethorn]

Go out and see bands, make friends, network, immerse yourself. Play anywhere and everywhere, until you figure out what you want and where you belong.

My buddy Yogi has been doing some Sunday nights at Three Of Clubs on Vine St. It's called "Sundays In The Dark" I think... Kind of a jam night I do believe. Been meaning to check it out. Maybe start with that?

BTW this is a long haul, end-game thing you are talking about... I moved there 23 years ago and im still figuring it out and the biz is different now. Be prepared for hardship.

Ya the career on the side thing- that doesn't really work, in the context of lA I don't think...? You'd be better living someplace less expensive and just putting out solo albums or something, if that's what you want to do. What if someone actually offered you say, a tour, and you are like, oh I have a job, I can't go on tour...?

 

[EXPcustom]

I would go to the Baked Potato during open jamz night and try to take shit to the next level. Lots of serious musicians there.

 

[steve_k]

LA changes people. Careful, or it will eat you up and spit you out.

Good luck though. At least there's some peeps here willing to help you out.

 

[EXPcustom]

Also, like what is your specific goal?

I know you said its not for the money but lets say it is because it always is ultimatly.

Do you want to be the next guitar hero and signed to a major label and make seven figures or are you just trying to get by with some extra cash maybe making five figures annually as a studio musician?

Not a whole lot of money in just doing rehashed EVH or SRV type stuff but I am not sure if that's what you want to do...

 

[sixstringking713]

Network, network, network. Being good doesn't get you a career, being good and having people know you and trust you gets you a career.

True, thanks. I realize luck plays into it too.

make a career in music on the side???

If it actually developed into something where I could quit my daytime job, I would.

Network, network, network. Being good doesn't get you a career, being good and having people know you and trust you gets you a career.

This. I'm in Vegas. There is a smallish group of well known (here anyway) guys that play all the time. Very hard to break in to that group. Just gotta get out and play your ass off.

LA has 10001 brilliant players and probably only 1/3 get recognized. Just go where people are and get your name out there.

I am currently auditioning for 4 solid working projects but getting my own press kit and website together.

Nice good luck with it!

Go out and see bands, make friends, network, immerse yourself. Play anywhere and everywhere, until you figure out what you want and where you belong.

My buddy Yogi has been doing some Sunday nights at Three Of Clubs on Vine St. It's called "Sundays In The Dark" I think... Kind of a jam night I do believe. Been meaning to check it out. Maybe start with that?

BTW this is a long haul, end-game thing you are talking about... I moved there 23 years ago and im still figuring it out and the biz is different now. Be prepared for hardship.

Ya the career on the side thing- that doesn't really work, in the context of lA I don't think...? You'd be better living someplace less expensive and just putting out solo albums or something, if that's what you want to do. What if someone actually offered you say, a tour, and you are like, oh I have a job, I can't go on tour...?

Thank you for the jam suggestion, I was having a hard time finding something like this. I will definitely check it out within the next few weeks. If someone offered me a tour I'd drop my daytime job in a heartbeat.

I would go to the Baked Potato during open jamz night and try to take shit to the next level. Lots of serious musicians there.

Thank you for this jam suggestion too! I will definitely check this place out in the next couple weeks too.

LA changes people. Careful, or it will eat you up and spit you out.

Good luck though. At least there's some peeps here willing to help you out.

Haha I'm fine with challenges as long as I have a game plan and give it my best.

Also, like what is your specific goal?

I know you said its not for the money but lets say it is because it always is ultimatly.

Do you want to be the next guitar hero and signed to a major label and make seven figures or are you just trying to get by with some extra cash maybe making five figures annually as a studio musician?

Not a whole lot of money in just doing rehashed EVH or SRV type stuff but I am not sure if that's what you want to do...

I dont care if it's studio work or tour or what but I'd like to eventually be recognized as a good guitarist by atleast the guitar community. Maybe it's a ridiculous fantasy of mine, but I'd like to eventually become recognized enough to the point where I could meet EVH (I can dream can't I?). I'm not in it for the money necessarily, however yeah a small car collection and a beach house in the south bay would be nice . I'm not saying I want to cover EVH or SRV, I was just thinking if I record some youtube videos of those it would show my talent as far as covers go and technical ability. Plus, it would spread my name somewhat I'd hope. There are so many videos of people playing covers of "the guitar gods" that are bad examples and I was under the impression if I recorded my covers of them (which I believe to be fairly accurate) it would help spread my name.

Like Pete, you have a zillion youtube videos right? I've actually checked out many of them. This is why I was considering going that route and recording a bunch of youtube videos to help my cause as well.

 

[dstroud]

Pretty much all been said. But if you do the hired sideman/touring thing - that can be tricky. I got a few friends who do that and it seems they're always working at the local ice cream shop between tours and always looking for the next tour. So keep that in mind as your weighing your options.

 

[R45VT]

I would go to the Baked Potato during open jamz night and try to take shit to the next level. Lots of serious musicians there.

The baked potato is amazing. This would be an easy first step in networking.

I'm not sure if the youtube or instrumental would be a good idea. Look for a serious band, or at least one more serious then the one you are in and use that to get noticed.

 

[bonedarrell]

Are you a songwriter?

 

[Ventura]

LA changes people. Careful, or it will eat you up and spit you out.

This.

But you've got the drive, the spirit and the goal - stay on it, don't stray, stay away from the temptations and the distractions.

Keep it real. SERIOUSLY real.

Amen Brethren!
Mo

 

[jcj]

How old are you, and what's your musical background?

 

[sixstringking713]

Pretty much all been said. But if you do the hired sideman/touring thing - that can be tricky. I got a few friends who do that and it seems they're always working at the local ice cream shop between tours and always looking for the next tour. So keep that in mind as your weighing your options.

True. It depends on the situation.

I would go to the Baked Potato during open jamz night and try to take shit to the next level. Lots of serious musicians there.

The baked potato is amazing. This would be an easy first step in networking.

I'm not sure if the youtube or instrumental would be a good idea. Look for a serious band, or at least one more serious then the one you are in and use that to get noticed.

Yeah I'll definitely go to that and check it out. How many songs can you perform? I'm assuming theres usually a ton of musicians that want to play so probably not more than 1 or 2 songs?

Are you a songwriter?

Yes I have about 60 or so song ideas recorded on my computer from the past few years..

LA changes people. Careful, or it will eat you up and spit you out.

This.

But you've got the drive, the spirit and the goal - stay on it, don't stray, stay away from the temptations and the distractions.

Keep it real. SERIOUSLY real.

Amen Brethren!
Mo

Thank you..

How old are you, and what's your musical background?

I'm 22, classically trained pianist started @ 6 yrs old, picked up guitar @ 10 yrs old. Started jazz standard type stuff on piano around 12 yrs old. Concentrated on guitar very seriously around age of 16 until now. Major influences on guitar are EVH, David Gilmour, SRV, ACDC, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Page, etc. I also play bass and drums as well but not nearly as well as I play guitar. I've been in bands since 4th grade, haha, and I have been performing live for past 6 years. My biggest performance so far was I played with some members of Blue Oyster Cult a few years ago.

I also interned with a sound company on the side while in high school and early college to learn how to mix and run live sound. So I also know how to mix.

 

[the aXeman]

Pretty much all been said. But if you do the hired sideman/touring thing - that can be tricky. I got a few friends who do that and it seems they're always working at the local ice cream shop between tours and always looking for the next tour. So keep that in mind as your weighing your options.

True. It depends on the situation.

I would go to the Baked Potato during open jamz night and try to take shit to the next level. Lots of serious musicians there.

The baked potato is amazing. This would be an easy first step in networking.

I'm not sure if the youtube or instrumental would be a good idea. Look for a serious band, or at least one more serious then the one you are in and use that to get noticed.

Yeah I'll definitely go to that and check it out. How many songs can you perform? I'm assuming theres usually a ton of musicians that want to play so probably not more than 1 or 2 songs?

Are you a songwriter?

Yes I have about 60 or so song ideas recorded on my computer from the past few years..

LA changes people. Careful, or it will eat you up and spit you out.

This.

But you've got the drive, the spirit and the goal - stay on it, don't stray, stay away from the temptations and the distractions.

Keep it real. SERIOUSLY real.

Amen Brethren!
Mo

Thank you..

How old are you, and what's your musical background?

I'm 22, classically trained pianist started @ 6 yrs old, picked up guitar @ 10 yrs old. Started jazz standard type stuff on piano around 12 yrs old. Concentrated on guitar very seriously around age of 16 until now. Major influences on guitar are EVH, David Gilmour, SRV, ACDC, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Page, etc. I also play bass and drums as well but not nearly as well as I play guitar. I've been in bands since 4th grade, haha, and I have been performing live for past 6 years. My biggest performance so far was I played with some members of Blue Oyster Cult a few years ago.

I also interned with a sound company on the side while in high school and early college to learn how to mix and run live sound. So I also know how to mix.

If you ever need a bass guy for an album/tour........ Just to throw it out there.....................

But yeah, I'm pretty much in the same boat as you except I'm still in my hometown..... for now... Just like what these guys have said. It's all in who you know almost more than WHAT you know... I know so many people who could blow any of the guys that are out there right now right out of the water... So why aren't THEY the ones with the deals and big gigs?? Again.... all in who you know. The internet changed things so much it's a whole new game... Just get some videos together and start putting stuff out at the highest quality you can.... Start working on an EPK and record a kick ASS demo with ZERO flaws... Just slap something on somebody's desk that they can put on and go "my GOD.... THIS is who I need!!" The rest is all you bud!! (The offer stands on bass'ing... hehe... )

 

[glip22]

Can't hurt to give your card to the local studios as a fill in. This will also help you in your networking and may open some doors for you.

 

[RockStarNick]

1. Just fully realize that there's exactly one bazillion dudes in LA alone that have the same exact "plan" (or dream) that you have.

2. The internet doesn't need any more videos of people covering EVH songs on guitar. Be yourself. Write some original riffs and solos that show diversity in your playing, and your own style. Unless your ultimate goal is to be in a EVH Tribute band...

3. Listen to anything Pete Thorn says. To me, he has the absolute ideal career in guitar: world tours with famous musicians, tons of great gear, endorsements, notoriety among the guitar community - but, he can still walk down the street and not get mobbed, and live life like a normal human being. To ME, *that* is living the dream.

 

[kasperjensen]

First off.. Hats off to you my man. Go for it dude!!! I wish you all the best.

Then... Don't talk shit about anyone at all at any time, and network. Start out by just hanging out with people. Don't have an agenda, just hang out. Pretty soon you have a circle of people that can help you with things in the future.

 

[syncrodude007]

LA changes people. Careful, or it will eat you up and spit you out.

Good luck though. At least there's some peeps here willing to help you out.

x2 live your dream...