Is LA still a good place to be for music?

[jamie10]

any particular areas or hot spots to meet music industry people?
Give beat cds to .....meet engineers/producers/artists/musicians etc...just basically mingle with music scene/network..

I think LA is the greatest city in the world. Partly because of the music history and industry there. That is just so inspiring.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by allencollins

I think anywhere is the place to be. It's all about the songs
and the stuff that matters. Location doesn't matter

wrong in most cases.
Location influences the music, environment affects the music.
Location affects YOU as a person and how you feel, whihc in effect affects the music....some places are just inspiring and vibe is right....some places are just not good... we are products of our cities/areas/friends/company we keep... the people you meet and the place you live is so so crucial in regards to your music...

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by allencollins

Talent is Talent no matter where you go. Lets start a debate. For music past and present who is better
U.S. or U.K.?

Uk has better calibre of rock musicans/artists...eg radiohead
London is cold...uk is cold = this affects the music...best uk music is dark and depressing...

usa = sunshing = better vibe

USA rock is a diff animal. More childish compared to uk rock...
USA owns hip hop, LA owns hip hop.
Beat makers are the best in usa.
I dont think UK has produced one decent hip hop beat/artist that i like.

usa wins, but Uk have respect and talent.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by Michael Zick

I interned for a buddy who was house engineer at the Roxy, and the bands I saw there on a regular were shit shit shit. I mean, embarrasingly unoriginal and bad musicians.

lol
yes i can see that.
i went to viper room and anohter place...piss poor bands and music ideas they were playing... gave me hope cause i knew i was better than that..

[robmix]

Originally Posted by jamie10

Uk has better calibre of rock musicans/artists...eg radiohead

You must be kidding . . . . . let's just say they each have their strong points and leave it at that.

[Jim Kerr]

Originally Posted by robmix

You must be kidding . . . . . let's just say they each have their strong points and leave it at that.

Funny!!!

[tonevision]

Originally Posted by themaidsroom

i agree with werner herzog when he says "los angeles is the only bohemian
city left in america"
nyc is pure corporate waystation
the iq of this city has dropped enormously
in the last ten years.
there is no visible kinetic energy in nyc
just suits........
in la, there are still some real freaks - freaks are a good indication
that there is a creative spark in a geographical area
there are still cheap rooms, and sunlight
and cheap food - these things are essential if you are surviving
on almost no money yet are summoning the spirit to truly be and create.
be well



- jack

LA is the place to be . Much more free stuff , in NY u'll need to have an imposed attitude . Do u want fashion ? NY is the place to be

[picksail]

There are many in LA are struggling right now.

That said, I can't even fathom what it must be like elsewhere in the world.

It goes in cycles. It isn't always bad. Just gotta be positive, do great work, stay motivated and treat your people as you would like to be treated. Oh yeah...and diversify!

I can't imagine working anywhere else. It's so very inspiring here!

[anemicrock]

The one thing I noticed about being in a band in LA and the UK is UK bands tend to talk shit on each other. But at the same time LA was far too up there own asses in regards to promoters etc.

Things are more laid back in the UK with all that shit. Getting gigs/tours is far easier and you never have to pay to play. The scene has grown so much. Thousand of bands getting bigger and bigger. The gallows have ripped every US punk band a new asshole (apparently) not a fan but man they are doing well. Radio stations are playing more rock and heavy rock which is surprising.

Good venues etc etc. Can't say all too much about LA right now as it's been a few years since I lived there now. The main difference is in the US the "scene" is mostly LA and NY where in the UK is spread everywhere.

As of the recording industry I have no idea. Too busy trying to get my new studio up and running.

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by anemicrock

As of the recording industry I have no idea. Too busy trying to get my new studio up and running.

This might LITERALLY be the quote of the century.

[anemicrock]

lol. Just got how stupid that sounded.

What I meant to say was, I'm not involved in running around shitty London looking at all the studios, who's making money etc.

Just working on my own shit, putting a good place together where I can have some money coming in. And believe me, there is no competition in Bristol for me to worry about so hence my meaning.

[anemicrock]

I wasn't bragging either. Just hardly any studios if any that do heavy rock music in this city.

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by anemicrock

I wasn't bragging either. Just hardly any studios if any that do heavy rock music in this city.

No it's hilarious because it completely sums up the state of the recording industry. Everyone has their own studios these days including me.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by Michael Zick

No it's hilarious because it completely sums up the state of the recording industry. Everyone has their own studios these days including me.

what is a "studio" anyway? ... its just computer with some audio/midi sequecning software.

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by jamie10

what is a "studio" anyway? ... its just computer with some audio/midi sequecning software.

Sure that could qualify as a studio I guess. To me it's any place that is set up to record and mix music.

[musicfool100]

Any cities in Europe have a scene for music?

[kittonian]

Originally Posted by jamie10

what is a "studio" anyway? ... its just computer with some audio/midi sequecning software.

To me there is a big difference between someone who has a computer with some sequencing software and a real "studio". A studio is generally a multi-room facility with lots of analog & digital gear, great monitoring, serious room treatment, great instruments and at least one engineer who knows their craft.

You can have a bedroom with some equipment to record yourself and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I encourage every artist to have these things. However, when it comes time to actually make a serious record, a studio is still the place to make it happen.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by Michael Zick

Sure that could qualify as a studio I guess. To me it's any place that is set up to record and mix music.

i can see iphone becoming a "studio" some time soon.....
yeah unless youre recording mutltiple mics/band...all you need is a computer with minimal hardware. Sorry this is way off topic.

LA = best city in world. Everyone agrees.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by musicfool100

Any cities in Europe have a scene for music?

No, only in LA.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by kittonian

To me there is a big difference between someone who has a computer with some sequencing software and a real "studio". A studio is generally a multi-room facility with lots of analog & digital gear, great monitoring, serious room treatment, great instruments and at least one engineer who knows their craft.

You can have a bedroom with some equipment to record yourself and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I encourage every artist to have these things. However, when it comes time to actually make a serious record, a studio is still the place to make it happen.

true true.
depends on the music though too.
Some producers just need a laptop and headphones.

[jamie10]

any particular areas or hot spots to meet music industry people?
Give beat cds to .....meet engineers/producers/artists/musicians etc...just basically mingle with music scene/network.. in LA...

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by jamie10

LA = best city in world. Everyone agrees.

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. I haven't been to all the great cities in the world but I don't really consider the US to be the best country. Sorry. I think Europe has a much broader appreciation for music, art and culture. Here it's just a rusty old machine that is slowly giving way to the micro studio economy.

EDIT: I do love LA though, don't get me wrong. Whether it's the best or not, I don't know. I like LA for things other than music though, like the beach. I've been working so that's good, and there IS a very good concentration of talent, studios and job possibilities.

I still think Europe, from my year or so there, has a healthier appetite for creativity.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by Michael Zick

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. I haven't been to all the great cities in the world but I don't really consider the US to be the best country. Sorry. I think Europe has a much broader appreciation for music, art and culture. Here it's just a rusty old machine that is slowly giving way to the micro studio economy.

yes interesting point about europe...
but problem with europe: you have to learn the language of a particular country, or else youre screwed.
USA people are more friendly than UK counterparts.
Also the "grass is green on other side" is relevant here.
LA has a great music history...and it just keeps on going...
Micro studio or not, things just happen in LA.

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by James 'LA' Lugo

Not that you can't get things going anywhere but I think location can really work for some people. I know for me it matters. Growing up and playing music in South Florida it was very depressing at times. Felt hopelss because I never saw much success around me but in LA I am surrounding by massive success and an endless chain of musicians and producers with excitement and energy (even in these "bad times' many of us are still doing well).

I'm feeling the same way you did right about now. I may move soon!

Originally Posted by kittonian

To me there is a big difference between someone who has a computer with some sequencing software and a real "studio". A studio is generally a multi-room facility with lots of analog & digital gear, great monitoring, serious room treatment, great instruments and at least one engineer who knows their craft.

You can have a bedroom with some equipment to record yourself and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I encourage every artist to have these things. However, when it comes time to actually make a serious record, a studio is still the place to make it happen.

+1

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by jamie10

yes interesting point about europe...
but problem with europe: you have to learn the language of a particular country, or else youre screwed.
USA people are more friendly than UK counterparts.
Also the "grass is green on other side" is relevant here.
LA has a great music history...and it just keeps on going...
Micro studio or not, things just happen in LA.

Valid points. I've never tried to work in the EU so I don't know what it's like. Although, most people know English so getting by in a foreign country is actually not that hard. Of course it would only be right to learn the native language!

Yes, LA has a rich musical history, as does NY and Nashville. I came to LA cause I was inspired by Sublime, Death Row Records and all the Rock stuff that has happened over the years. However, there really isn't a "scene" here from what I can tell. Hip Hop went underground and you have a few Indie-esque bands like Silversun Pickups and whatnot emerging, but nothing groundbreaking.

It would be great to see an emergence of something new and fresh happen here on a musical level.

[jamie10]

Originally Posted by Michael Zick

Valid points. I've never tried to work in the EU so I don't know what it's like. Although, most people know English so getting by in a foreign country is actually not that hard. Of course it would only be right to learn the native language!

Yes, LA has a rich musical history, as does NY and Nashville. I came to LA cause I was inspired by Sublime, Death Row Records and all the Rock stuff that has happened over the years. However, there really isn't a "scene" here from what I can tell. Hip Hop went underground and you have a few Indie-esque bands like Silversun Pickups and whatnot emerging, but nothing groundbreaking.

It would be great to see an emergence of something new a fresh happen here.

ive been to france twice. Very difficult the language barrier. Even ordering food is a nightmare. It would make all the diff in the world if you spoke the language.
USA and UK is great cause its the same language! yippeee!

surprised you said deathrow. not many people speak of them like that no more. Yes when i was in LA last year, i felt like "something is missing" when i was there....thinking of deathrow and 2pac era long gone....and nothing as exiting....
felt more like a rock city, but what do i know.

But most top pop and r&b and rap producers are based from LA.

About up coming producers and beat makers, they just be making tracks at home on budget equipment?

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by jamie10

About up coming producers and beat makers, they just be making tracks at home on budget equipment?

I wouldn't necessarily say "budget" equipment but an MPC, Reason and PT LE. What lacks in so much music coming out lately is good mixes thru a console in a well-tuned room. It matters...big time. The studios that Deathrow used to record at would FLOOR you how nice they were.

But, it is what it is. Yeah, maybe budget equipment!

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by jamie10

But most top pop and r&b and rap producers are based from LA.

I don't know about that. Hip Hop is dry dry dry here. I think most Urban music went to the South. Not even Eminem could top Lil Wayne these days.

[jamie10]

lol
lil wayne? comon dude...comon.....
dre is still the king.

hip hop is dry dry dry in LA?????? really?????
i hear thers alot of hip hop radio stations in LA....with local talent on.....

yes good mixes are hard with little means...and mixing skills...its hard enough
to make music! let alone mix.

thers gotta be an army of small time beat makers in LA. ... grindin........

[mbradzick]

Originally Posted by jamie10

lol
lil wayne? comon dude...comon.....
dre is still the king.

Dre's a beat-maker. Wayne's an MC. Two different things. I hope Detox is killer though. Would love to see Dre go out on top.

Originally Posted by jamie10

thers gotta be an army of small time beat makers in LA. ... grindin........

There definitely is. And Power 106 definitely plays local talent, just not even close to the same scene it was. Sounds are all ITB home productions and people are generally talking about the same stuff. Swag and money and dope etc.