First of all, moving from your hometown to go to the "big city" is a bigger move than you think.I don't care if you want to pursue music, acting, comedy, dancing, or any other form of entertainment.There are things you should know.I'm going to use music as an example, but what I'm about to write goes for ALL of them in some respect.If you find yourself in a really good "local" band, meaning your hometown, then that's a good start.Most likely, you and the band feel like you're on top of the world because you just did 3 or 4 sets of cover tunes, and the place was sold out.Great! Now, you'll know in you're gut, if this is what you want to pursue.If it is something you feel that you want to take to the next level, then talk to your bandmates and ask them how they feel.You are going to have to take it to the next level, which is writing original material.This will be harder than it sounds.Good musicians can copy bands and play cover tunes, but great musicians can write original music, and create an identity.If the band is on the same page, then you are on your way to the next stage.Write some originals and test them out in your hometown.If your friends and family like them, then get gigs away from your hometown and see how other people respond.If the "strangers" like them, then you're really making progress.If they don't like them, then go back to the drawing board, and don't base your mild success on the shows in front of family and friends.Make sure that everyone in your "region" likes the music, and then you can consider moving.Now, the biggest problem comes up.Your bandmates may not want to move.They may be comfortable living in that "world", while you are thinking of bigger and better things.Here's the "gut check" portion of the program.Are you confident with your songwriting skills? Are you comfortable leaving the band if no one wants to move with you? Do you know anybody in the city you are planning to move to? Have you researched the new city you're thinking of in terms of rent, jobs, transportation, etc.?Should you want to go out on your own, you are opening up a world of uncertainty.There is a big difference between the comfort of "home", as opposed to the unfamiliar situations in a "big" city.Especially, if you don't know anyone.In a big city, it's hard to survive on your own.You almost have to have a roommate to survive without losing your mind.You will have to have a job that brings in substantial income.If you are pursuing show business, then I would definitely recommend bartending or waiting tables.The schedules are flexible, and the money is quite good, but the hours suck.Now, if you find yourself in a "big" city, you are now out of your comfort zone of home.You are no longer the hottest musician, comedian, or actor.You are competing with the people who did what you did.They were the best in their hometowns, and they chose to move to the "big" city as well.You will have your world shattered when you see the level of competition.People.Top notch people.Come from all over the world to showcase their talents.And, they are good.Really good.The saddest part is that it really doesn't matter how good they are, because now you have to deal with agents and casting directors who are going to tell you that, "You just don't have what we're looking for.".If you don't have "thick skin", then you will crumble.You have to be strong, both mentally and physicallly, but more so.Mentally.It sucks.Constantly.However, when you do get the gig.It's the greatest feeling in LIFE!!!!!So, my point is.Before you decide to move to the "big" city.Make sure you've made your mark on the small city that you grew up in, and then take that and run with it.However, make sure you have drained yourself of all that you can do in your hometown before moving to the "big" town.The "big" town can eat you up and spit you out faster than you can imagine.I won't even get into warnings about drugs and alcohol in the "big" city, but let's just say they are there with "people" who want to shove them down your throat, and I've seen people die because of them.I've also seen promising people lose track of their goals because of them.Bottom line.If you are going to move to the "big" city, then move with a close friend so you at least have someone to help you through the rough times, and someone to share the exciting moments of being in the "big" city.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
So You Want to Move to LA, Or NYC, Or Wherever?
First of all, moving from your hometown to go to the "big city" is a bigger move than you think.I don't care if you want to pursue music, acting, comedy, dancing, or any other form of entertainment.There are things you should know.I'm going to use music as an example, but what I'm about to write goes for ALL of them in some respect.If you find yourself in a really good "local" band, meaning your hometown, then that's a good start.Most likely, you and the band feel like you're on top of the world because you just did 3 or 4 sets of cover tunes, and the place was sold out.Great! Now, you'll know in you're gut, if this is what you want to pursue.If it is something you feel that you want to take to the next level, then talk to your bandmates and ask them how they feel.You are going to have to take it to the next level, which is writing original material.This will be harder than it sounds.Good musicians can copy bands and play cover tunes, but great musicians can write original music, and create an identity.If the band is on the same page, then you are on your way to the next stage.Write some originals and test them out in your hometown.If your friends and family like them, then get gigs away from your hometown and see how other people respond.If the "strangers" like them, then you're really making progress.If they don't like them, then go back to the drawing board, and don't base your mild success on the shows in front of family and friends.Make sure that everyone in your "region" likes the music, and then you can consider moving.Now, the biggest problem comes up.Your bandmates may not want to move.They may be comfortable living in that "world", while you are thinking of bigger and better things.Here's the "gut check" portion of the program.Are you confident with your songwriting skills? Are you comfortable leaving the band if no one wants to move with you? Do you know anybody in the city you are planning to move to? Have you researched the new city you're thinking of in terms of rent, jobs, transportation, etc.?Should you want to go out on your own, you are opening up a world of uncertainty.There is a big difference between the comfort of "home", as opposed to the unfamiliar situations in a "big" city.Especially, if you don't know anyone.In a big city, it's hard to survive on your own.You almost have to have a roommate to survive without losing your mind.You will have to have a job that brings in substantial income.If you are pursuing show business, then I would definitely recommend bartending or waiting tables.The schedules are flexible, and the money is quite good, but the hours suck.Now, if you find yourself in a "big" city, you are now out of your comfort zone of home.You are no longer the hottest musician, comedian, or actor.You are competing with the people who did what you did.They were the best in their hometowns, and they chose to move to the "big" city as well.You will have your world shattered when you see the level of competition.People.Top notch people.Come from all over the world to showcase their talents.And, they are good.Really good.The saddest part is that it really doesn't matter how good they are, because now you have to deal with agents and casting directors who are going to tell you that, "You just don't have what we're looking for.".If you don't have "thick skin", then you will crumble.You have to be strong, both mentally and physicallly, but more so.Mentally.It sucks.Constantly.However, when you do get the gig.It's the greatest feeling in LIFE!!!!!So, my point is.Before you decide to move to the "big" city.Make sure you've made your mark on the small city that you grew up in, and then take that and run with it.However, make sure you have drained yourself of all that you can do in your hometown before moving to the "big" town.The "big" town can eat you up and spit you out faster than you can imagine.I won't even get into warnings about drugs and alcohol in the "big" city, but let's just say they are there with "people" who want to shove them down your throat, and I've seen people die because of them.I've also seen promising people lose track of their goals because of them.Bottom line.If you are going to move to the "big" city, then move with a close friend so you at least have someone to help you through the rough times, and someone to share the exciting moments of being in the "big" city.
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