Thanks for all of you female musicians who take the time to write me and let me know how things are going for you and your music career. Here is an interesting email from Erin, who represents alot of women musicians trying to decide if moving to another city is for them.

Hey Vivian,

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I always enjoy your female musician blogs, as they are very informative. I was wondering if you could give me some advice or information.

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I am a female guitarist and I really want to get into a band. I play in an 80s cover band in the area I live, which is fun, but I want a serious band with whom I can write and express my ideas.

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It is so difficult to find anyone in my area (I live in Arkansas) to share the same goals and aspirations with. I was wondering if there was anywhere online to be heard, so to speak?

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I am still pretty young, 25 years old, so moving anywhere is an option for me.

I would move for the music. Thank you for your time. Any advice you could provide is much appreciated.

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It’s Better To Be A Big Fish In A Small Pond

Hi Erin:

 

Thanks for contacting me and great to hear that you are enjoying the blog.

 

I think the first place to start is to be clear on what you want to do with your music career. Are you wanting to pursue music ful-time or is it just a part-time passion for you.  

 

Never give someone else so much power over you that your entire career falls apart if they arent there.

 

If you are just pursuing music part-time than you can always build a base from where you live. If it’s difficult to find people with the same goals, then you may want to consider being a solo artist.

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It’s usually easier to find gigs in small bars and cafes since the budget is alot less than hiring a full band. But of course that may not be your thing. It’s just a suggestion and alot of people do it who are fed up with band politics and the likes. 

 

If you still want to work with other musicians make it a point to become more independent.  You should always have a plan B for your career in case the people you are working with decide they want to move on. Never give someone else so much power over you that your entire career falls apart if they arent there. It’s your music and ultimately your career. 

 

From your email I’m assuming there are not alot of places to gig. If this is the case and you really want to move else where, consider how a decision like that can play out. 

It takes alot of time and effort to build a reputation and create momentum in any city big or small.

 

If you move to a main music centre, you will be starting from scratch in a new town. In other words no one knows you. Unless you are extremely exceptional at what you do (and not just from your own perception), it will be very difficult to stand out from the crowd. It’s always better to be a big fish in a small pond- you can get alot further with much less effort.

 

You also need to consider the cost of living in an area where the music scene is thriving. Rents are higher and you may need wheels to get where you are going – which is gas and insurance. And it would be nice to eat once and a while so you will have to consider getting a job! In this economy that may not be the easiest thing to do. And since alot of places like New York or LA dont pay great (and the competition for paying gigs is fierce) you will probably have to take a job doing something other than music – which of course can defeat the purpose, if working takes up all your time.

Nothin’ like home sweet home

 

It takes alot of time and effort to build a reputation and create momentum in any city big or small. You will need to get out to jams, gigs and other events to forge new connections – this doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes it can take a year or two to gain some real momentum.  By that time you could have gained more ground by sticking to your own home town. People already know you which makes it easier to get gigs and build a following there. 

 

If you live cheaply you can focus more on your music and not worrying if you won’t make next month’s rent. (Often in big cities you have to share an apartment with others and that can bring a whole slew of other issues even worst than dealing with flaky musicians). 

 

There are alot of things you can do today by using tools like facebook, twitter and myspace to advance your career.

 (Check out next months blog for great resources for developing your career)

 

I hope this reality check doesnt discourage you but enlightens you to see that you have lots of options. Zeroing in on what you really want is the most important thing. Working hard at your craft, getting as much info as you can from books and blogs, will move you forward to your goals.

 

Wishing you the best and let me know how things are going for you as you go along.

 

 

Vivian Clement

www.vivianclement.com