what would you do if you had 2 weeks in l.a.?

[chris perra]

i'm doing some gigs in l.a. in march, the band i'm playing with wants me to consider relocating to l.a.

immigration issues aside, i'd like to suss out what l.a. has to offer gig wise.

can you make a living playing music in l.a. i've been in toronto for 6 years and do fine right now.

all the work i've generated here was originally from going to jams, meeting people and expanding the network. over time you get to know tons of people through others.

what do you think is the best use of time for me "2 weeks" to maximise networking in l.a. are there any jams to check out? ect.

keeping in mind that i'm not necesarilly there to meet vinnie or weckle,to have my mind blown by heavy guys, you can do that anywhere

i'm looking to have acess to show my abilities to those who may want to use it.

thanks

chris perra

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 16, 2003 11:36 PM: Message edited by: chris perra ]</font>

[helpmate]

I'm adding a reply here solely to move this topic to the top. Since I'm not from L.A., can't help with contacts, etc. But... I gotta believe our L.A. HOD brethren have some suggestions. Good luck!

[Nikk]

I can personally say that if I went to LA I would spend all my time scouting out hookers.

[Derek DeFields]

There really aren't any public jams here to speak of. The networking/jamming thing certainly goes on but it's more a result of meeting someone at a gig than sitting in and being heard.

that's my experience here anyway.... If you have a good thing going where you are, I would not recommend (to anyone) that they leave unless work has dried up or an unbelievable opportunity presents itself elswhere. if you're happy with how you're doing in Toronto, what do you expect to be better here?

[chris perra]

i'm not planning on moving, i'm just curious.

i spent 6 years here developing a network large enough to make a living. to me unless the band i'm giging with in l.a. gets a large enough deal to warrant moving i don't think i would bother.

i'm just curious if i did decide to make the move what the scene is like, is it something you can be working in within a year of moving?

the reality is, even with a deal, unless you are the big flavor of the month, it could be over in a year or 2.

then what?

is there a jobbing, top 40,blues, r&b scene? or is it all, play for the love of it,and hope to sell cd's.

chris perra

[XNavyDrummer]

I agree with Derek's advice. If its happening where you are, really think twice before considering the move. Fuse, some time ago, also posted a question about the "scene" out here in LA. I don't think he received much in the way of a response.

When I jumped out of the Navy Music Program several years ago, I met a guy in a parking lot. He had a license plate that said MF BAND. I asked him about the plate and he said that he had played drums on three of Maynard Fergeson's albums. He also said that he was currently playing at a few jazz clubs but, that his main bread and butter was from working at an oil refinery. I couldn't believe it. Here I was ready to make a killing in LA and one of my favorite drummers is working at an oil refinery.

While playing the casualties (casuals, weddings etc.) other musicians would ask about the Navy gig. When I told them I had medical, dental and optical insurance along with education benefits and a retirement plan...they asked "why did you ever leave?". And these were some serious players asking these questions.

I've played with some great players out here. The work situation has been a real roller coaster ride though. Once the family started to grow, I knew it was time to get one of those day jobs that I had heard so much about. I'm still gigging and teaching and learning. But the day gig sure helps support my family....and my music.

This obviously isn't the same story for every musician in LA. If you can make the right connections and make a good living as a player here or anywhere for that matter...count yourself blessed.

[chris perra]

thanks guys.

chris perra

[ladanny]

I live in LA and have played most of the Sunset strip clubs, tried out for bands, etc. It's pretty tough, but it's a lot of fun.

My advise is to check out the local Jazz clubs in the Valley areas, Studio City, North Hollywood, etc. There are three main venues that all of the BIG guys play: La Ve Lee, Cafe Cordiale, and The Baked Potato. You can come see players like Vinnie C., Chad W. and Gregg B. up close in a small setting, and talk with them after the show!

Enjoy the adventure!

[Randy walker]

Find some hot porn chick and star in a low budget movie directed by Ron Jeremy. Oh, wait you meant what would you do gig wise in LA for 2 weeks. My bad, sorry.

[chris perra]

i'm not to sure where the gigs are i'm playing, one is at "club lingere", on st. patties day is that close enough for you randy? [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

chris perra