Quote:
Originally Posted by duffy878  hey guys, so here goes...
I've been out of college now for about a year (BS in audio, AS in electronics) and have been getting steady pay editing a radio show and a local TV show hosted by the same person. Both air weekly, except for pledge time (listeners hate it, I love it).
Well anyways, I really start to doubt my sanity after a long week when the deadlines are quickly approaching. I'm basically listening to one person talk all day and the only thing that seems to keep me going are delusions of escaping to NY or LA to record music. The other problem is that in doing a good job I've gotten increasingly more responsibility regarding the programs, like managing their online radio station. This in turn is bringing me farther away from what I really want to be doing, which is studio work or tech work. I've been busy recording local bands and fixing guitar amps in my spare time but that really isn't bringing in any money for me at this point.
What seems to get you guys through the tough days/weeks? And does it seem logical to you guys for me to drop this job, move to Manhattan/Brooklyn, and try to get my foot in the door somewhere to work for free on the slim chance I'll get hired?
Somebody please, drop some wisdom for a young'n |
I have absolutely no perseverance when it comes to holding a "job". I have picked up good paying, audio post gig's that lasted a couple months, in order to save money, and I wanted to quit 3 days in.... So I know your pain!
Moving to NY or LA isn't a bad idea.... It's what I would want to do if I was in your situation HOWEVER you must be prepared for the fact that you will not make any money for a long time, and you must be prepared for the fact that it costs a-lot to live in these cities. Sure.... you may be able to get a part time radio gig down there, but that is only going to distract you, and prolong the amount of time that you are making no money recording..... The more dedicated to recording that you are, the faster thing's will happen, considering you are doing a good job.
I would say go.... but don't go until you have money in the bank. I wouldn't leave until I had AT-LEAST 10 grand in the bank. (unless you have some kind of solid financial backing..... like rich parents who are more then happy to pay your expenses)
The more money you have saved, the less stressful it will be. You will be able to focus on working in a studio, and working your way up. The more money you have saved, the less likely you will have to return home, because your broke.
Having some of your own gear helps too.... When I did my first internship, I was no paid, however I did get a discount on studio time. Being an in-experienced engineer, who nobody has ever heard of, convincing a band to pay the discounted rate to track was tough never-mind trying to convince them to spend additional money to mix. Ideally you would want to track AND mix in the studio, but at first thats likely going to cost WAY too much for you. Even if you can get bands to pay that much money, the worst thing you can do is charge a bunch of money, and deliver a not so great product because of your inexperience. It's bad for your rep and bad for the studio's rep.
If you have a pro-tools rig and some good monitors at home AT-LEAST you can track in the studio, and mix at home for free, and start getting your name out there.... because in the end that is what is going to make you money. Getting your name out there, and bringing in your projects to the studio.... thats how YOU make money.
So yeah.... Go.... but don't go until you have some money saved, and don't go until you have a half decent mix rig of your own..... go prepared to record / learn recording and nothing else.