"Should I go? Should I stay? I'm in control, either way."
For anyone that is trying to get into show business, that is the question that we ask ourselves. Which city would give me the most opportunities? Which city would provide me with the most resources? Which would be cheaper to live in until I "make it"? Which fits me?
Now for me personally, I am a native Chicago suburbanite. I am familiar with the urban city life whilst dwelling in the confines of the south suburban lifestyle. Half of my family lives in the St. Louis/East St. area as well. So the midwest is a familiarity, a comfort. Is that good or bad? Does Chicagoland provide me with the resources to get to where I need to go in the industry. Or should I travel to a well-known music epicenter amongst thousands of hopefuls like me?
I have ventured to New York City on two different occasions. The first time was in Fall 2007 when my brother's high school band performed there for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The second time was the following summer where I lived in a New York University dorm for 6 weeks while taking a production class at the Clive Davis School of Recorded Music. I got a pretty good idea of what it would be like to live in NYC, specifically in Manhattan where I stayed.
As far as Los Angeles...well...I've never been west of St. Louis. So I have no clue what it's like to live in L.A. I know a few people out there. Some in teaching while others venture into movies, music, and fashion. All of them out there say that they absolutely love it. Some people that have been there before say that they hate it. Other say they would visit there, but would not want to live there unless they had to. All in all, I would have to see for myself. However, if a fantastic job opportunity comes about I would get used to whatever environment I had to for the sake of my career and my pursuit of music. Same is said for New York or anywhere else. I do plan on venturing out to Cali within the next year or two to see for myself.
Truth is, both supercities are heavily populated. Especially with those trying to do the same thing. Me, I'm just trying to write. I'm not trying to be a music superstar, or an actress, or anything like that. I just want to create and exploit my work for other artists who can bring it to life.
And for a songwriter specifically, lest not forget Nashville. This city is closer to where I live, as well as a city where many songwriters venture to. However, it is more central in country music than any other type of music. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I am not as familiar with writing country music. Nonetheless, I definitely am not rejecting the idea of someday writing a few country tunes. Many country stars use outside writers for their hits. I definitely plan on visiting Nashville someday.
As far as Los Angeles...well...I've never been west of St. Louis. So I have no clue what it's like to live in L.A. I know a few people out there. Some in teaching while others venture into movies, music, and fashion. All of them out there say that they absolutely love it. Some people that have been there before say that they hate it. Other say they would visit there, but would not want to live there unless they had to. All in all, I would have to see for myself. However, if a fantastic job opportunity comes about I would get used to whatever environment I had to for the sake of my career and my pursuit of music. Same is said for New York or anywhere else. I do plan on venturing out to Cali within the next year or two to see for myself.
Truth is, both supercities are heavily populated. Especially with those trying to do the same thing. Me, I'm just trying to write. I'm not trying to be a music superstar, or an actress, or anything like that. I just want to create and exploit my work for other artists who can bring it to life.
And for a songwriter specifically, lest not forget Nashville. This city is closer to where I live, as well as a city where many songwriters venture to. However, it is more central in country music than any other type of music. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I am not as familiar with writing country music. Nonetheless, I definitely am not rejecting the idea of someday writing a few country tunes. Many country stars use outside writers for their hits. I definitely plan on visiting Nashville someday.
And unfortunately, my native Chicago is not as big of a music epicenter as it should be. There are many artists from the Chi that move to LA, NY, Atlanta, or wherever. I believe that the Chi will become a music epicenter itself again, just as ATL has been growing in the urban music market. The Chi is a great place of talents who unfortunately find it difficult to branch out nationally. But I would ultimately want to live back in the Chi once I get my career on track. But, if need be, I may stay out east or out west.
So many options for the budding artists out there. LA, NY, ATL, Nashville, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Vegas, wherever. I believe there is opportunity in wherever one is. All pursuits start of on a small scale before they escalate to their highest degree. Truth is, I might have to move my Midwestern self out east to New York or out west to LA. I'm pretty sure it will be overwhelming at first. The whole music industry is overwhelming. Life is overwhelming. That doesn't mean I shouldn't live. That I shouldn't create. That I shouldn't try somethings new. No matter where I end up, music will happen. Best believe.
~L~
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