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

[petethorn]

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.

The YouTube thing, I didn't start until 2007... It's been beneficial for sure, but I was already playing with Chris Cornell then, had done a bunch of other tours for like 15 years and had had like 3 bands with record deals, etc. I wouldn't want to be "just a guy on YouTube", the YouTube thing doing lessons or maybe gear demos for manufacturers is just one piece of a puzzle and it should come after you get out and play and establish yourself

Also I agree with the poster who said, the Internet doesn't need another guy playing Ed VH covers. While we all love EVH, it's better to show what you can do- your own music.

 

[Bob Savage]

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...

I don't disagree with this, however, are you aware of how Phil X got the Bon Jovi gig the first time around? Somebody showed Jon Phil's Fretted American videos that are on youtube and guess what he plays mostly? VH, Zeppelin and a host of other classic tunes, without accompanyment.

That said, Phil's had a number of high profile gigs in the past and probably didn't get the gig just because of his playing because he's a great singer, a total natural on the guitar (and has also spent thousands upon thousands of hours honing his craft) and he's pretty darned funny too.

All this is to say if you've got your own thing going on, youtube can be your friend.

 

[Anonymous]

id move to nashville just cause of less taxes, not as expensive to live there in some areas from what i understand.

good on you for giving it a go man!

 

[Badronald]

The music industry is a disaster.

Go into pharmaceuticals.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

id move to nashville just cause of less taxes, not as expensive to live there in some areas from what i understand.

I was thinking along similar lines, get your country on and move to Nashville.

Good luck to OP for following your dreams.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Youtube worked just fine for the biebs!! now he is out there livin his dream and being so untouchable that he no longer wishes to be spoken to when attending events...

good luck in your pursuits but I would make sure I had a really good back up plan in case they don't pan out.. i'm thinking your day job or amateur porn.

 

[Tone Zone]

The music industry is a disaster.

Go into pharmaceuticals.

Best advice so far!

 

[DrugDM]

The music industry is a disaster.

Go into pharmaceuticals.

Hello. I am in pharmaceuticals and believe me the music industry is much kinder and gentler...Music industry does not have government regulations or Obama Care...

 

[tubortski]

You seem very talented and driven. Work towards finding your style and finish some songs. Start your own band. Do your own thing as you see fit.

No matter what your location, enjoy the trip!

 

[SFW]

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.

This. If you talk smack about anyone in the biz it will spread like wildfire. Be yourself, practice every style you can think of if you want to get into session work. Learn to budget like there is no tomorrow. Lots of guys move to LA and get eaten alive because they can't keep off of substances. There is a very good reason the term 10 year over night success gets used a lot. Be patient and strive to keep goals. Keep them realistic. The world of 80s rock stars has past. As stated earlier, Pete is IMHO living the dream as a successful musician. However, I'm sure that if you asked him he would say that he has made a lot of sacrifices along the way.

 

[just42dave]

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.

yup did me 5 times lol I taste bad,, but... network and baked potatoe and jams are the best

 

[shgshg]

are you aware of how Phil X got the Bon Jovi gig the first time around? Somebody showed Jon Phil's Fretted American videos that are on youtube

Well, that and the fact that Phil X was already a massively-well known LA sideman and session guy who has recorded and/or toured with Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Orianthi, Rob Zombie, Chris Daughtry, and Alice Cooper before he ever got near Bon Jovi.

Compared to that resume the youtube videos are a pretty tiny factor IMHO.

 

[Enjolras56]

are you aware of how Phil X got the Bon Jovi gig the first time around? Somebody showed Jon Phil's Fretted American videos that are on youtube

Well, that and the fact that Phil X was already a massively-well known LA sideman and session guy who has recorded and/or toured with Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Orianthi, Rob Zombie, Chris Daughtry, and Alice Cooper before he ever got near Bon Jovi.

Compared to that resume the youtube videos are a pretty tiny factor IMHO.

What's even cooler is how Phil got the Tommy gig: he was painting the garage of producer Scott Humphrey. He happened to hear that they needed a guitar player for Tommy's album, and boom... right guy, right place, right time. That led to working with Zombie, Alice, and the shitload of others. His calling card was his unique overdubs, especially after the Daughtry album broke.

As far as his YouTube success, I've heard him say he credits YT big time for a lot of his opportunities. It's brought him fans around the world that plug their stickered and fan-grill adorned Vipers into Bad Monkeys cuz of him. It brought him a signature amp and guitar. It brought his band The Drills on a UK Tour. What do I think make his videos unique on top of his bad ass skills, even though a lot of it is playing covers? The guy has a larger than life, likable personality to obviously speaks to many. (yes, I know some find him over the top ) Also, there are tons of guys that play the classics accurately, but Phil does it his own way with some extra special fire sauce!

So cool to get advice directly from Pete Thorn who has been there, working his ass off, and is making it happen!
Pete's YT videos are also huge standouts to me cuz he demo's stuff with original compositions that the gear inspires with super high quality sound.

As far as coming to L.A. to pursue the dream... right on man! Not much for me to add that hasn't already been said, but I'll offer my $0.02
Echoing what Reza said, I've heard Barry Squire's name brought up quite a bit with guys I've worked with (although I don't know much more than that.)
Also, my band has used a couple of these guys http://www.backlinersband.com who are a team of high quality session musicians to fill drum and bass duties. They used to do a monthly social at Universal Bar and Grill for L.A. area musicians to network. I think it's been on hiatus for a while, but they're supposed to start back up. Maybe it'll be worth it to get on their mailing list to find out about the next one.
FWIW... As a guitarist playing with a band here in L.A. for a few years- I can tell you NOT to play The Whisky or The Viper Room and expect to be "discovered!!!" Or to have a crowd for that matter.

 

[WhammybarAllstar]

I guess it really depends on what you're trying to accomplish as a guitar player and making a career out of it. I've been living in Hollywood for around 5 years and have done pretty well by networking at the rock bars. The rainbow, angels & kings, velvet margarita, loaded, bar sinister, etc. I've never stepped foot into musicians institute, or the baked potato. Barry squire didn't do squat for me, I didn't make any epk showcasing talent.

Playing skill varies so much out here. If you wanna spend your first couple years making a name and reputation for yourself, audition for a national act and knock it out of the park. And cater to what they as a product are selling. If they look like kiss, don't show up looking like urkel lol. Actually, don't show up anywhere looking like urkel lol.

My first gig was an audition for a female pop singer. Knocked it out of the park, got the gig, 2 weeks later flying first class to chicago to play lollapalooza with muse, the black keys, foo fighters, a perfect circle etc. Finished off that tour season with 5 songs on tim burtons alice in wonderland and frankenweenie.

That fueled my reputation right away and have landed great gigs since. At this point, I've met some of the biggest touring bands in the world, with opening slots and direct support for rob zombie, megadeth, korn, five finger death punch, etc.

Everyone I know that is a working musician in my genre has had their own way of getting themselves where they are at. I'm still just as ambitious, but I've learned a ton about the industry, and how to manage myself, so that I'm not stagnant, or nose diving. Set goals and achieve them, be flxable and know how to manage yourself, set timelines on what you're doing, and know when to move on. Get to know everyone in your genre as far as musicians, promoters, sound guys etc. Even drummers lol.

Btw, everyone is full of sh! t out here so be smart, keep everyone at arms distance so you don't get into trouble. Never stop trying to write good songs ever, record every great idea you get, cause they will come in handy.

 

[charveldan]

Better have a day job ...

 

[Bob Savage]

Compared to that resume the youtube videos are a pretty tiny factor IMHO.

Your opinion on the topic would be different than Phil's.

 

[bonedarrell]

The music industry is a disaster.

Go into pharmaceuticals.

Hello. I am in pharmaceuticals and believe me the music industry is much kinder and gentler...Music industry does not have government regulations or Obama Care...

I'm not so sure he Badronald was talking about being a "pharmaceutical rep" or the kind of pharmaceuticals that are subject to government regulations. Of course, unless by "government or Obama" you really mean the Cartel?

 

[steve_k]

The music industry is a disaster.

Go into pharmaceuticals.

The music industry can lead into pharma.....

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

One more thing... very important too... no matter how much you want something, don't suck anyone's d_ck to get it! Look what happened to all those child stars :-/

 

[halebox]

Join established band then go from there