Do you need to live in LA to be a pro musician?

[@johanngrillenbeck]

As I am currently living in a small town in Germany, I sometimes ask myself if I should move to a bigger city one day. Your words encourage me to *just* pursue music now, not debating about *where* I should do it. All the best to you!

[@adamprotz]

I totally agree with this comment….. except you should move to Berlin because it’s the coolest city in the world in my opinion 😄😄 and I’m in the UK (ps but only if you actually want to)

[@Cloudjump3r]

Given that I also live in a small town in Germany now ans have lived in Toronto before and Berlin before that, I'd like to wholeheartedly encourage you NOT to focus one the where for now. More than ever before can you build a good network without loving in one of thise cities. But knowing people who are there and travelling sometimes definitely helps a bit. ;)

[@marekmedien]

I am in exactly this situation, also small town in Germany. But I definitely don't wanna go to Berlin. Was thinking about Hamburg, but the rents are also extremely high there and I probably can't afford it :(

[@zakkabuuz]

I split my time between Sweden and NL and would never move to the USA much less LA

[@dennisshu1466]

Wenn ich vor 10 Jahren nicht nach Berlin gezogen wäre, ich glaube nicht das sich meine Musik-Karriere so entwickelt hätte...

[@RedMeansRecording]

This is an insanely interesting video.

[@Andres-sp2go]

Jeremy !

[@badsnacks]

:)

[@rwbennet]

I couldn’t agree with this comment more

[@jnnx]

Is it though?

[@yousuckatproducing]

Uncle Joe always told me: "If you could suck at producing in LA, you could suck at producing anywhere."

[@eljamusic7700]

Uncle Joe with the wisdom

[@RGE_Music]

Truth be told

[@oldskooldeano]

Wowsers!

[@apparently_sonam]

Law of averages, says most are barely not. Same across all entertainment there. It feels a bit gross tbh.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

*Why are you following me?!?!* JK, great advice 😂😂😂

[@JosephDanielMusic]

There are musicians in every major city - and tons of work (if you know folks and conduct yourself professionally). There's also a LOT more virtual work these days, since the pandemic has placed all that at the forefront. Almost all of my work that is creative (video editing, music production, etc.) has shifted to either virtual or local clients coming to my house. It's a new age for music artists; it's more in our own hands now than it ever has been. Great video and thanks for your insight, Bad Snacks!!

[@jc3drums916]

Perhaps, but the work has shifted. The advancement of technology, among other things, has greatly reduced available work for instrumental musicians. Even Vinnie Colaiuta, the #1 studio drummer in LA, has said he gets fewer calls now (and this was pre-pandemic). If you just want to play an instrument, it's going to be very hard for most. It hasn't been all that easy for several decades now, but it's even harder nowadays. As for being in one of the big 3 music cities, I guess it's a double-edged sword. There are more opportunities, and more potential contacts, but also more competition. It's probably easier to get your name out there, so to speak, in a smaller city.

[@buckdancer421]

I lived in LA for 15 years working the music scene. It's tough. You have not heard of me or any of my projects probably but I had a great time and got to experience most of the things I set out to do; recorded in many professional studios, played countless live shows in all the famous venues, toured and had a ton of fun, although I never hit the level of success I'd set out for. No regrets, but I started the see the city declining in recent years and decided it was time to move on. It's a great place with amazing people for the most part, but it is not the be-all-end-all location for a career in music.

[@General_Ictus]

I was a music student in my home town for a while. Suburb outside of Philly. I was gigging on the side, and I worked with this guy who was an AMAZING pianist, educator, conductor, and composer. He was one of the best musicians I ever worked with, to this day. And he said to me "There's work around here. I was working the whole time, but it took me about 10 years to get to the point where the work came to me." So I guess the questions are... no matter where you live... is there work, do you have the skills, do you know the people, and is it REALLY what you want? Because on the flip side, I know an underground DIY musician, also great but in a different way, who is a chemist for a living and that supports his art. He's never had trouble finding work, and he makes music every day.

[@ryanchirumbole5337]

I think I can speak for all of us who watch your videos consistently that content like this is why we’re all big fans. Massive thanks for being so transparent and keeping it real at all times! Helps so many people!

[@reread2549]

I retired in 2018 right before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily killed touring. I was a hired gun for all sorts of different acts from casinos to low budget indie tours and sessions. I never really needed an LA connection because I developed great business relationships in Chicago. I toured through the LA area once or twice a year, but Chicago was always my stomping ground. Wherever you are, be dependable and professional. Listen, listen, listen and don’t forget to play the song, Nothing more and nothing less. Thank you for the video

[@passionmax]

Thanks for being authentic and teaching newbie’s they have a chance

[@victordl9492]

Thank you, very helpful video !

[@bolttracks]

Honestly, Berlin is criminally overlooked by folks in the US and also still pretty cheap while just oozing art from every crevice.

[@eonblue32]

Very relieved this is from the perspective of someone who actually likes LA. I was ready for this to be more hate from someone who never actually made the effort to find good people and moved away in disgust. I don't you should live here if you're not basically obsessed with LA-specific things. I have a lot of friends who just like going to bars and it's like, you can do that in Cleveland and be rich. LA is an unbelievably deep and complicated city and I'm honestly surprised you were able to understand it in 5 years. Great video.

[@BURG]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing 🎹😎🎹

[@6oundStudio]

the vid should have ended after 0:03. i live in russia and will never even see the US, but music is my only job and it's bearable

[@artvartradioofficial]

tysm

[@MattyJBass]

2:35 Nice

[@carlosricaurte5304]

I did the same but in NY. Now I live in Germany but I'm from Colombia LOL! Great video !!

[@artkincell]

Did you supply the music for the Google Domains ad? At around 14 minutes in, I got that ad and it sounds so much like a Bad Snacks tune.

[@mangaas]

Nobody should live in LA... but those who still want to stick it out, best of luck! 😄

[@antiherorecords]

We're based in Portsmouth, NH on the border of ME if you wanna link up! Would love to talk about music stuff especially since you've worked with my friend at Chillhop :D

[@badsnacks]

oooooo!!!

[@antiherorecords]

@@badsnacks Just sent an email from our lodisco gmail!

[@marshallrogalski4114]

Great video, thanks for your insights! I'm moving there in 2 weeks, so this video could not have been more perfectly timed for me. Is there anything you wish you'd known before moving there, or wish you'd done differently when you first arrived?

[@kokopelli434]

I would say no, but I live in LA anyway, so Im good lmao

[@jeremiahbullfrog1844]

This is going to be from left field, but have you started collecting assets? any Passive streams of income? Investing? Just food for thought. I care too much

[@oig40203]

With the mass exodus from California happening, there should be room for a few new musicians!

[@gravity00x]

one of the dumbest questions I have ever heard. Do you really have to live in LA to earn money? who even thinks that LA is a place anyone considers important for anything lmfao

[@peev180]

Do you still have your dog?

[@timpierceguitar]

Interesting take on LA now for young people.... I moved here in 1979 and I love it today more than ever... But if I moved here now as young person I would never be able to make it.....:) but I live in the mountains next to 7 miles of wilderness-then the ocean... And I do all my work from home so essentially it's the same reality as yours and many others... And I fully agree that it doesn't matter where you live... Not anymore... And that fact is truly a great thing... We reach the world now from right at home... And Home can be anywhere

[@jakehendriksen2841]

You're a legend, Tim! I love your channel and your vibe.

[@Timecop1983]

I'd say you definitely don't have to live in LA or even in the USA. I live in a small town in The Netherlands and am a pro musician. My music was used in some major US productions without having any contacts. I realize i'm extremely lucky they found me, but it proves you don't have to live in LA.

[@prod.danilo6504]

Dude, you're not lucky, you're Timecop1983!

[@jakehendriksen2841]

Woah! Hey, Timecop1983, funny seeing you here. I discovered your music recently, and I've really been digging it! I've watched at least 3 of your "Live in Amsterdam" shows from recent years here on YT, and have many of your albums in my current playlist. All the best to you!

[@JayfkProductions876]

Longer Answer.. Absolutely Not... Side answer, if you're from a 3rd or 2nd World country like myself It would be a massive help

[@treyxaviermusic]

Where you from kehd? I grew up in Ahhhhlington, moved to LA 6 years ago

[@corygottron1039]

as a musician who has recently traveled to LA, it was crazy how tight the community was. I met one person who had ties with everyone from system of a down to cypress hill and many others... making those needed connections seemed much easier than it would be 1000 miles away in ohio.

[@YTTraveler777]

That person is probably exaggerating.

[@corygottron1039]

@@YTTraveler777 actually no. he directly works with members of system, has assisted b-real and many others. it really is much easier and closer knit than you'd expect. when these artists are tagging him in photos and thanking him by name, kinda hard to doubt the guy.

[@kaivrock]

He definitely is. It’s not tight at all. There are a lot of cliques and every one is hard to penetrate

[@antsteep]

I moved to LA from Melbourne, Australia (which is also a great city for music). Big move. Someone once told me that LA is full of people who were too good for their home town and I find that to be very true. It's a tough city and it makes you work super hard to avoid disaster. Everyone has experienced failure here and that is the shared experience.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great video! It's the hustle more than the location: just focus on making music you love and building a community. We are all out here grinding :)

[@taylorstep8135]

Atlanta is better you actually own a home here plus there a music scene here too

[@pwhite102]

Vampire...teeth...

[@registrar9984]

i live in a small town on the outskirts of brisbane, australia - there’s something pretty incredible about people giving opportunities to musicians in my small corner of the world, but having the access to somewhere with an established music culture is really cool, you can kinda peek into it and use it for inspiration, i love to be on the outside looking in!!

[@Whiteseastudio]

Awesome video! I sometimes wonder the same thing 🤔

[@Reeceline]

Hey fancy seeing you here. Taking a break from Darude Sandstorm? 🤣

[@Grantborland]

Great insight, the other thing people can always do is visit for a few weeks at a time. I don't live in LA, but have a healthy amount of connections out there, and I always have a great time visiting friends and studios out there. I feel like I always learn something new each time I visit that city. Pretty eager to get back out there!

[@veronaraven3099]

Not anymore... Nashville is more for writers/musicians. For networking LA is still great but it's so fragmented now...LA is very cliquey now tho. I'm also a New Englander

[@YousefAHMusic]

You're living a fun life and your story is fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I play guitar and make music, and while I only live in a small town in South Carolina, I appreciate the handful of listens I get on bandcamp every month. I want to play live this year. Maybe join a band?

[@Djpuzzle]

The homeless situation is way worse now. Everything is way more expensive too. I still love it here in LA but we just moved out of the city down to South Bay (Redondo Beach). It gets ridiculously hot up in the city now but South Bay has its own chill ass climate bubble it’s so beautiful here. Not to mention smoke up in the city and valley from the fires.

[@andreabruciati275]

I would say no, imho LA sounds more like a myth. It's like saying you only eat well in Italy because it has pasta and pizza everywhere (I'm italian btw and there's plenty of good food, not just pasta and pizza). Never been in LA personally but several opinions about musicians from my place who lived there sounded disappointing. I don't know if going there for networking would be a good idea, in most cases nowadays you can network in any kind of place in which there's room for music (and in which there's an Internet connection), considering the infinite talent of musicians you see all around the world in venues, cities, online, etc. Surely several "famous and attractive" mainstream artists and so-called legends are in LA, but there are also other artist and music business situations that are not in the spotlight that might be worth as well, considering also the Internet territories you can explore. Nice video!

[@seacave853]

Lived in Nashville. It's very similar to the LA midset. Lots of talent, motivation, etc... but a lot of parasites and straight up bullshit as well. Music is wonderful, deep, genuine, fun... the music buisness is the complete oppostite, shallow, manufacured, and terrible. Even though I was doing relativley well, and had friends and tours and gigs, something about being sorrounded by the biz was depressing enough to move. Thanks for making this video, you have some wonderful and true insights on LA as a musician.

[@seacave853]

ps. if I hear the term "cowrite" ever again, I may short circuit.

[@Cap10NRGMusic]

I had no idea you were from Boston - I grew up in Woburn then Billerica and lived in Melrose before leaving. May I ask where snouts you were? I love your channel music and person!! :) keep being you!!

[@Mionwang]

Healthy beet scene? So Schrute Farms is in LA?

[@dosgos]

NYC music has been in free fall for years. The midtown recording studios and music stores have largely disappeared. Live music venues have moved on with the help of "developers". There still are plenty people involved in music schools, Broadway shows, classical music halls. There are some niche shows in some neighborhoods. But the biggest city in the US has moved away from music.

[@jimsykes6843]

Yeah it sucks. I was active musically in New York for a long time. The developers killed it. It was definitely the place for much of the 2000s, and of course decades before that

[@veronaraven3099]

When Manny's and Sam Ash vanished i knew it was over... Boston went the same way. It's so sad now..

[@holzy4565]

I also lived in LA for about 5 years to work in the music industry and moved right before the pandemic. It had its ups and downs for sure, and the access to people and the culture was insane. I was definitely ready for a break, but still have mad love for the city even though it can be disheartening at times. I think you can make anything happen anywhere, and I hope the pandemic normalizes the industry to some extent to being remote as long as the work is done. Luckily planes have been invented, so you can go anytime. Ps found your stuff recently, thanks for the inspiration to make music!

[@violao206]

Here's some advice from a smaller market (Seattle) that one of my mentors would tell me repeatedly. "Talent and Ability have nothing to do with it." Yup. Don't let it do your head in. There will always be far less talented types that ma catch lucky breaks. The music industry is just not built on meritocracy. Once you wrap your head around that, you can just get on with whatever course you are charting for yourself.

[@richhorton6242]

Hi there, love this video and your other videos too. Quick question, sorry it might be my English ears, when you talk about moral issues at around 11:00 you talk about something beginning with ‘J’… it sounds like judge something-or-other. Sorry I can’t make out the word or phrase. I’d love to know what it is :-)

[@preciseaudioblog]

Hi! Great video. Do you think what you say still apply in 2024? Thank you

[@davidsteinhour5562]

Thank you for this in-depth video! While I'm not in the music industry (car racing and editorial, actually), the parallels are very similar. LA is the epicenter for many fields in America, and I can feel its pull. But I REALLY don't have patience for the superficial, and I'm extremely sensitive to the amount of nature I see. I plan to visit but it doesn't seem likely I'll stay. I'll keep searching for that elusive place of maximum diversity and minimum facade.

[@yohalmocoto4604]

Much respect for ya fam. I'm just happy that your doing you. One of the most self aware musicians I personally know. Always kept it real with everyone around you and to yourself.

[@badsnacks]

means so much coming from you dude!! hope you're good

[@rogercabo5545]

Once you're at the top in LA, you should leave as soon as possible. Otherwise you'll be riding down the hill faster than you climbed up. Good luck!!

[@surflifeimages]

Great insight. I am a LA native, one of the few left. What you are saying is so true. It's the land of smoke & mirrors, snakes and vipers. There are more people getting burned than making it and enough emphasis can be made on having a solid attorney and connections. If you think you are going to come out here, make it big and not cover your #A#rse, you are in for a really big surprise. Listen to what she is saying, she speaks the truth!

[@oliverrees9397]

No you don't I like this video and your words. I live in a tiny village in UK and music speaks to everyone no matter where you are. And to meet and talk to people is tough but socials aid that. Concentrate on your music and what you're about ❤️

[@YTTraveler777]

I want to live way way in the wilderness. No neighbors within 30 miles. Just nature and a cabin or storage container house with solar generater. I don't need to "belong." I also hate other musicians. Hate people in general actually.

[@VinylWave11]

There is also Memphis Tennessee. I am in LA and really I don’t like it here. It is exhausting. Yes you can work as much as you want. It’s just hard to put on the breaks here

[@F8Lwrld]

literally was researching about this today. thanks, gonna watch this after work

[@greenvelvet]

Would love to hear about your time in Portland! Always curious about what it's like to live there

[@fabricio4794]

you should do a band with that Jasmine Star Music and that Sina drummer......cheers

[@propmaster101]

The Dunkin’ Donuts cup is how we no she da from New England😂

[@miketreadwell3640]

I live in and Cleveland and made a pretty good dent into my career as a graphic illustrator/artist within the music scene here and in LA (Still never been there) for nearly 10 years. Just recently (ish) I decided I wanted to record my own music and make an album which everyone from here to Cali are fully supportive of. I got to work with a lot of big names as well as smaller names in the industry. It seems to me you can be fine wherever, just go to LA if needed 💁‍♂️ but grinding/hustling, kindness, determination, and not letting a single negative thing stop you will definitely get you far

[@createprince2093]

I have absolutely no relation to music or production or anything but this was really interesting to hear about

[@user-rx2ur5el9p]

Low key high speed internet has made location irrelevant. Live where it's cheap.

[@davidsteinhour5562]

"I can almost see the skyline through a thickening shroud of egos / is this the city of angels or demons?"

[@DocTrower1980]

Visit L.A. once, but leave before it makes you soft; visit NYC once, but leave before it makes you hard. So to answer your title question, no. You don't need to move to the big city to be part of the happening scene, when you can make your own scene right where you are, whether it's a suburb, a small town, or even in the middle of nowhere.

[@wackerburg]

I lived in Los Angeles for two years and that time was great. But... I was like 22 back than, no kids, no fears and no career :-D I am super happy and grateful for that experience, but I would not want to raise kids there or commute to a normal job every day. I really agree with you and experienced pretty much the same. If I would not have gone there, I would have thought that THAT would have been my dream job. I worked as a freelance audio engineer. Fun times, but not for a longer time. I also live in a small city near the sea now. And I love it. Making the music that I really love is a hobby now and that´s awesome, too. Back when I made music for other people and I also HAD to take jobs that I did not like, I wasnˋt even enjoying making music myself anymore. I am a audio engineer now, but in broadcast with a very stable and solid company.

[@jon_gee]

Yeah! LA we love it! Great talk. I moved to LA in the 90s and worked in sound design in Hollywood. Same. At one point I had to leave. I remember the moment. LA it’s such a global cultural hotbed. It is where I first heard the term “24/7”. Everyone had tattoos. It’s also where I first heard the term “electronica”…which has since died out… Anyway love the vid. Glad you’re in Maine. It’s wonderful there.

[@CainaanDC]

For me La is a nice place to visit but I would never want to live there.

[@OscarTroya]

I've also lived in LA and I feel exactly the same way as you do. Great vid, thanks!

[@Dakcha]

Born and raised in Los Angeles and I am thinking of moving to Portland so if you could share your thoughts on your experiences in Portland one day I'd love to hear!

[@ianscott111]

I feel like most of the music scene in Maine is centered around Portland.

[@kaivrock]

In LA the closer you live to anything the better.

[@FaithfulGuitarTutorials]

Have you ever consider Nashville as an option?

[@Krmpfpks]

Thank you for sharing. This is not only relevant for the music industry! As a software developer I moved to a tiny beach town in Costa Rica and I am totally happy I did that. Finding a place that makes you live a healthy live at your own pace is crucial. This is what gives you the energy you need.

[@jessewarren817]

bad snacks? More like inspirational snacks

[@kaylab7565]

This was so helpful.. thank you!

[@Reliquancy]

I think the stuff you’re doing on your twitch channel giving talented people opportunities to get their work heard and critiqued and to meet other talented beat makers to collaborate with is the type of new development that’s going to make it a lot less important to move to a music industry city going forward.

[@Granadan]

Does anyone really think they have to move to LA?

[@Cloudjump3r]

Thanks for this video snacks! Awesome to hear you talk about the whole journey. I wish I knew an equally fun and well spoken source for how things are over here in Europe. Thanks for sharing your experience with us all. 🍕

[@RockG.o.d]

lol, no thanks, london has abbey road.

[@CoyTheobalt]

Fell in love with you at Red Rocks!

[@moniarnon]

You're a so sweet and sincere person

[@ampthebassplayer]

I think the trickiest thing about moving to a new city to do music is finding the scene. "Outsiders" struggle if you don't have some kind of an in. I lived in San Diego for a couple years and I found it was really hard to do music there. On the flip side, I had a super easy time in SLC because I had a couple friends doing music so I've had constant gigs ever since I moved here.

[@peacefulwaters222]

New England? Not sure why I thought you were Canadian. Anyway great video! It's given me a lot to think about. Any thoughts on the best way to go about a songwriting career?

[@lebronsinclair8012]

Don't sleep on Miami's music scene.

[@spiritualmaster7044]

Living the dream on the East Coast.

[@Zeisslermusic]

I make music in Denmark

[@ELEKTROGOWK]

No, you have to live in Berlin

[@SlowHaste]

I grew up outside of Portland, ME (the og, if we’re being candid) and though it’s been a while since I’ve been a part of that music scene, there’s a lot of great stuff speckled along Congress Street. SPACE is a cool lil contemporary arts space that could be worth checking out!

[@CamKnoppMusic]

New England woooo

[@tobiaslofi]

Thanks for your honesty and smart insights. I moved from Germany to Oslo, Norway because of network and being a small yet capital city but the network disappeared quickly and now my wife and I live in a tiny cabin in the forest with gorgeous ocean view and I’m trying to figure out how to build a music career online or actually not a career more like a ministry of meditational lo-fi beats to inspire love, healing and creativity.

[@idontcare_wtf]

I wish you the best Tobias!

[@L.Scott_Music]

No stigma about working in the art is LA. Absolutely true. There is a sort of strata that exists, and it can be hard to move between them but having high energy and motivation helps a lot. Sharks congregate in all big cities. There are digital sharks too, right? If you ever come to LA try Burbank. It's safer and cleaner and has easy access to all of LA. It's not cheap but a roommate sort of thing can help. All of California is stupid expensive. I would not move to LA at this time.

[@renattonunez517]

this is probably one of the worst moment of the history to move anywhere, but sometimes we forget to look at world situation. Great advices, thanks! :D

[@danopticon]

Hmmm … I’d consider moving to L.A., because I like being in the thick of things, and there’s very little holding me to my current location? But despite every lotion, balm, and salve known to humankind, in the past two years I’ve quit looking 27, and have instead begun looking closer to my real age-which, suffice it to say, is way older than 27-and despite all the people saying “Age is just a number!” the feeling I get is L.A. is a young person’s town, exclusively … no one would want to “network” with me, people in the industry would shun me, and unless I covered my face behind a giant mouse-head mask (or is that gimmick taken?) people at a club would see me onstage and ask “Who is this old geezer, and why would I dance to this geezer’s beats? this geezer’s admittedly infectious beats?” and I’ve had enough heartbreak for one lifetime. Maybe I’d get session work, and I could probably get remote work-although why move to L.A. for remote work?-but I doubt I’d make a single friend, and doing nothing but work would drive me crazy. But convince me otherwise! Please!! Tell me there are no age-barriers in L.A., and I’ll fly out there next week!!

[@offworldnetwork]

mmmmm, cz101

[@kiwiradioNZ]

In my 20s I loved the UK London scene and had great memories and recorded some fun records. I'm a small town guy at heart though and with a young family now I think I'm at a different stage and priorities in my 30s.

[@RomainJouandeau]

Being in a complete different industry, I still relate to this a lot. Sadly, LA doesn't feel like a safe place to settle, because of climate change alone.

[@K0r0n1s]

Really insightful video :-) I've always wondered what motivates people to go to LA, even though it's known to be a, well, "unique" city :-p

[@RGE_Music]

No. Now with technology its a matter of passion and persistence. Where there is a will there is a way. LA will have more people and that always presents opportunity but many people dont take the chance any ways. You also need to figure out what works for you outside of doing music. You gotta work and pay taxes and do all the things that an adult must do so find a place that best achieves this balance.

[@Teleausencia]

Just commenting here to say that, near where I live (Concepción, Chile, a little city with a very small music scene), there's a city called "Los Ángeles" too, and it's a real small town insanely boring. And I'm sure there must be people making great music as well. But I would ever think to move to Los Angeles to make music!