Yeah, having lived in LA for decades and watched it devolve from a beautiful city and state to a textbook lesson in dysfunction. IMO LA's glory days are gone. The working musicians I know have all moved to Nashville.
@@guitarmore I have lived in Nashville a couple of times as well.. I played several sets a day at the Turf, the Wagon Wheel and three doors down on Broadway, Kenny Chesney was doing the same thing at the time. Last time I stayed there was 2012 and it was not nearly as easy to get in the door anywhere. That kind of killed the buzz for me.
If you want to be a music employee/professional, go to LA. If you are an artist and want to be known for who you are, do not do it unless you already have real buzz going on. There is no music scene there, you still have to leave to succeed, there is no local music culture. People there only show up for the thing that's already happening, you cannot grow there. The Lyft driver story is exact. I know some players in real bands that sell big numbers and play big tours, and when they come home to LA they work security at a bar or deliver food or some bullshit. It's too expensive to ever get ahead unless you hit it really big. And for that, you need to making pop music. There is nothing else that will pay you LA living expenses. The culture has gone 100% social media influencers, douche bags, and the rich kids of oligarchs, dictators and CEO's. The dark weird cool LA that you hear stories about is gone.
@@andrewbonica Well for one I was giving a general advisory and two, no she doesn't. Nobody in the actual music world knows who she is. You need a label and or management working for you and something commercially going on that has nothing to do with youtube for a general audience in LA to show up at shows consistently. You need a management structure, it's like that. If you think that sounds fucked up, yes, it is! But that is the reality. There are much bigger names than her who are sitting in that city unappreciated and doing next to nothing there. I actually know two brilliant artists who spent years there totally useless. They left about a year ago and recently signed major label deals from being discovered in other cities. LA is lazy, it wants the work already done. You failed to comprehend my point , which is, it's a company town. You work for the system or you don't work. As an artist, that can actually be worse than being in a small city because art is not about the job. When you do the job you get put in the "worker" box. You do not get a shot at the "artist" box. There is no exception to the rule. She works for the system (TH-cam,) she'll be fine. She fits into the influencer scene and that will be it's own thing for her. It will be a shocking occurrence if she gets taken seriously there as an artist.
I'm not a professional musician, so I won't comment on the experience of trying to make a living as an artist here. But as someone who lives in the city and loves music deeply, the claim that there is no local music culture is simply not true, especially on the East side of the city. There are many venues like the Zebulon, ETA, the York, 2220 Arts + Archives, (pre-pandemic, there was the bluewhale, which I loved dearly), and several others that are devoted to letting musicians explore paths that are not going to get them mainstream notoriety and yet pack out shows. It's a big reason why several of my friends and I do not want to leave this place.
Mary, you are one of the few TH-camrs that I can listen to all day. Your voice is soothing, your production is impeccable, and your delivery is eloquent. No matter where you’re located, I hope you continue this TH-cam journey.
I grew up in Los Angeles. It's a very different city now. In the early 2000s I was in a band called Cynic Guru. We had the head A&R of Atlantic managing us. Our lead singer played violin and we had a mix of complicated and simple songs. It was unique to say the least. We played the old sunset strip. We had residencies at an old club called the Coconut Teaser (now gone) and the Roxy and the Viper Room and the Whiskey. In fact, I used to see Lemmy from Motorhead drinking his jack and coke in the bar at the Rainbow Room after we finished our set. We were extremely close to getting a "demo deal" which was what they were referred to as at the time. But at that same time, Napster came out and the record companies started not signing any demo deals due to the uncertain nature of what these new streaming services would bring. Also, the sunset strip was winding down and a lot of the scene moved south to Orange County. Due to fear of Napster, the record labels started to only sign indie artists that were signed on a smaller indie labels but moving 200, 000 to 300,000 units (cds at the time). These were bands including No Doubt. Our singer got frustrated and got offered second chair violin in the Icelandic Symphony which is an amazing job. So he took it and he continued the band in Iceland where, believe it or not, they did really well. They played huge venues. They never fully took off but they did a lot of touring. The 2000s were a very shifting time in music. I ended up composing music for television and video games which I had actually been doing since 1999, but I got much more work as the years moved on. I have my own studio, and the funny thing is, most of my clients are from overseas including Japan. LA is definitely great for musician gigs but it is still a very expensive place to live. Great video! Just thought I'd share my story in LA, but from the perspective of being from LA.
No Doubt was signed to Interscope in 1990 by the man himself, Jimmy Iovine. They got sublicensed to Trauma Records in 1993, which caused issues in 1995 after "Tragic Kingdom" was released and blew up (and of course Interscope suddenly wanted them exclusively again). No Doubt was never a band coming up on an indie label, they were signed to a major from the start (similar to Paramore and other groups that got put through "the grind circuit" during their early years). The majors started to like handing off their new artists to indie-esque labels because it reduced costs and created more fan loyalty, giving the perception that the band was coming up from more "organic" roots, and helped forge the artist's skillset. It was also easier to shrug them off if they failed to meet expectations, and those who did rise above the grind and "break out" would just get pulled back into their initial deal. There was also a massive push for signing bands in the late 90's/early 2000's, depending on the area you were in, because a new scene of music was exploding across the US and everybody wanted a piece of it. While the labels weren't sure what to do with digital distribution, that didn't stop them from wanting to own anything that had potential for success. They had lawyers to deal with the piracy. A&R dudes were literally hanging out in specific venues throwing deals at any band playing shows. It's actually what pushed what we now call the "emo rock" scene into the commercial stronghold. MCR, The Used, Story of the Year, Senses Fail, Saosin, etc., were all a part of that weird time.
Cool story/journey! I’d say that LA is truly the town where people who do stuff to support film will succeed. Compose for film, sound design, post production, music to target sync placements, etc will do well. The more traditional original music is a lot harder to make ends meet here now.
@@ckreon Yeah, I used a bad example in No Doubt. My point was they recommended us to sign with a smaller label to move some units as a way to get picked up by a bigger label.
My wife and I lived in San Francisco for almost 9 years and found it very eye-opening. For us, L.A. is just too spread out - and we've wasted so many hours in traffic when we've visited. Last November, we sold all we owned and now travel the world with just carry-on luggage. We're finding that every country we visit inspires us in a different way. Thanks for being the inspiration for so many of us amateur musicians, Mary. Cheers from our home (for this month) in Broughty Ferry!
Lomita, south of L.A., is where I grew up. Went to Don Kirshner's Rock Concerts many times when I was a teen in Long Beach. Saw Chicago, Elton john, and Jethro Tull at the Fabulous Forum in the 70's. Those were good times. My grand parents are buried in Forest Lawn where Michael Jackson is buried. Gigged in and around L.A. and in Orange County when I was 18-20 years old and learned the craft of playing live in clubs there. I left for the last time in 1987. I have been back to visit, surf, sail in San Diego Bay, and visit friends, but I wouldn't live there now. It's crazy expensive, the traffic is insane, the politics are horrible, and life is better without the city. The weather is the best in the world though. I'll give them that. Fix the politics and I'll consider moving back. Other than that I'll stay away. Not even going there for vacation anymore.
I'm reminded of Paul Westerberg's refusal to move to LA or NYC but stay in his home town of Minneapolis. He said, "I always thought it was more helpful for me to stay. L.A. gobbles you up, and New York does the same. To me, anybody who has to move somewhere to become something they're not isn't the real thing. If you've gotta move to Los Angeles to make it, then you ain't got it."
Mary, I grew up in LA, Laurel Canyon, and all the related places you deftly listed in your video. You are also correct that "things change" and the LA music scene is forever changed and is nothing like those heady times in 1970 LA. I have no doubt you'll figure out how to build on your brand and take advantage of the musical, education, and other creative opportunities that abound there. LA is like no other place on earth, I hope the place doesn't suck the life out of you as your journey unfolds. It'll be fascinating to chart your progress as you immerse yourself in that crazy world. If anyone can make sense out of living in LA, I suspect you're the perfect person to show how it's done.
May LA bring you what you need, what you want and enough of the unexpected to keep you, your music and your channel inspired. You have many songwriters rooting for you. And worst case scenario, you still have the rest of the world. I am looking forward to seeing what you do next. Break a leg!
I lived in LA for 13 years and loved it… we were close to making it, but fate change the music genre and we found ourselves lost without direction. It was such an amazing experience and at times felt like I was realizing my dream… the stories I could share… after I left, it took 25 years to start making music again… I live in Texas now and have released over 60 songs and a new album. I believe no matter where we live, we make our own opportunities. Mary Spender, no matter where you live, you will continue to grow your fan base… your extra special and a million followers adore you. I can recommend some amazing restaurants… be safe on your journey
@@skyko What are you basing that assumption on? There's 10+ million ppl in L.A. and you think most of the amazing restaurants Lonny spoke of are all gone? What would be the alternative? That everyone is now just doing fast food or home cooking in L.A.? Not a chance. Poorly run, or just crappy ones fail all the time. And new ones open in their place. This is a fact of life in the restaurant business. Plus, the great ones, as long as they don't have lease issues, or too much debt, can last for quite some time. [in any city].
If only you never thought you nearly made it, it's poison to dreams, because you keep looking back romanticly on that if only time. But glad your making music again.
As someone who has lived in LA for 10 years and in music, LA is NOT the place for you, Nashville is the place. Most of my friends have struggled to make ends meet in LA because of how expensive it is. All of those people have moved to Nashville or portland and found a LOT more success there. I am hoping to get out myself. The LA music scene is mostly pop/rap music these days. Yes there are a few great contacts here and popular TH-camrs, but not the same as other cities. Nashville is insane for singer-songwriters like you though. LA is extremely goal oriented and business too less hang focused like you mentioned in the video in the olden days. As far as venues, some have closed in the pandemic sadly. And many of the ones that are still around are very shady. With the amount of people who live here I’d think there would be more music venues. As far as the interview: From the angle of touring sure i get that because a lot of pop stars tour with musicians. Though the KEY part is that he was doing gig economy work, nearly every musician i know is doing gig economy work between gigs (which are harder to come by now). That being said more and more people are doing live streaming and LEAVING LA because they can do it anywhere. And it’s often more $ than touring or gig economy work. I’d say that LA has definitely priced out actual musicians. It’s a lot of people who have rich parents or are rich themselves and also do music. The full time musicians here are often older and successful elsewhere. I think because of your fame/successes elsewhere it may give you opportunities many other people couldn’t get, but i still think the power LA has is with pop music over singer-songwriter stuff. Like i said, I have many friends who moved to Nashville. I would say the shift happened 5-7 or so years ago or so where it went from a lot of singer-songwriters to an overwhelming number of pop artists. A lot of people in LA just wanna be famous tbh. Very opportunistic and goal oriented as well (not in a good way).
Agree, Nashville is not just a place for country musicians these days, think she'd be much better off in Nashville with its diverse music scene, & a much more livable space than L. A.
@@rupertcaney I’m still in LA because I can’t afford to leave yet, but saving up right now to move to portland. My family is all here too so it’s a bit easier because of that. They moved here in 2011 (well my brother in like 2002?), me in 2012. Currently selling off audio gear I won’t be using anytime soon.
Best of luck in your grand adventure Mary. The LA music scene was my playground from 1975- 1984, just when bands like VH, Toto, Aerosmith, were full steam and Black Flag and other counter culture bands were filling clubs off the Strip. We played the venues, recorded in a famous studio and took our best shot but 10 years in I had had enough. Several friends are still there doing their thing and my hat is off to them but for me it was a chapter that needed to end.
As a relatively unknown TH-camr, I really look for and appreciate anyone on social media who is genuine and honest in their work. I despise click bait or anything like it. Having said that, I want to say thank you for what you do and how you do it. I feel like it takes a lot of courage to put videos of yourself on a platform like TH-cam for the whole world to see. It's fascinating to me to watch others share their passions, talents and life journeys with the rest of us. I especially enjoy watching and listening to artists who have genuine talent. I used to play guitar, and many years ago I actually worked at Martin Guitar in Nazareth, PA. By the way, the D 15 is my favorite model! I love the sound from that mahogany body! Over the years though, I've discovered that driving is my true passion. So now I'm a truck driver and enjoy traveling across the USA. I look forward to seeing what your future holds! Keep up the hard work! I always believe that good, honest hard work is one of the best and most rewarding parts of life!
I lived and worked in LA for 20+ years as a studio musician, singer songwriter...for songwriters, I would think Nashville is the best spot now. But, as someone who grew up in "southern culture"...that might be a HUGE culture shock...making LA a much better fit. I tried Nashville for 3 months, couldn't stomach it. YMMV.
Mary, you're not only an exceptional musician, you have the extraordinary gift of inspiring others on a human level. If you ever have a down day, remember how miraculous you are. And yes you're right, we all certainly are... in our own way.
LA is crazy expensive. I would look at the San Antonio music scene. I’m a firm believer in being a bigger fish in a smaller pond. But you may be in the best place already
Great to having you coming to California. LA is a huge area. There are places to avoid but lots of good places. I live about 50 miles south of Los Angeles near the coast. Lots of great places to chose from around Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Just learn when to avoid the traffic and where not to go. The weather can't be beat.
Well, you are an amazing guitarist and Berklee guitar music professor so I think that's great! My daughter is at Berklee for singing and songwriting ( completing her 2nd year). Unfortunately she doesn't play guitar so may not have the good fortune to learn guitar from you. Berklee and Boston arel lucky to have you there. Have a great day, Tomo.
Welcome to LA! It is a different city now than it was back in the 90s for sure. It has its roses and thorns. Perhaps, the latter more so than the former these days. Enjoy! I have lived here for 16 years. LA is probably the best city in the world to be a session musician. As you can get gigs for major movies, tv series and recording artists, et al.
I did it. Moved from Australia to LA. It's a tough city and full of other people in your industry that were too good for their home town. Everyone here has known success and failure at some point. There is support and opportunity everywhere and it is a great place to grow as a creative.
@@MaestroJericho the worst part it’s that people with a socialist world view move there, find out it’s impossible to live around tens of thousands of uncontrollable drug addicts, then move to a place like Nashville. Once there they fundamentally change the new location by voting for the same exact policies that destroyed California, never realizing that them and their voting habits are the problem.
I love the positivity! I moved from Epsom, Surrey to The States in 1988, working in studios, radio, TV, movies, and now music again, and have been in the L.A. County area more solidly for the past 3 months. It's great if, as you do (more than I), have a true reason for coming, and good support and resources. Yes, but maybe (depending on how the winds blow) use it as a stepping stone to Nashville, Austin, NY, even Atlanta, etc . . . the artist's drive will propel us to places others may feel reticent yet we feel called to. In the end, just knowing of you a very, very, little, you may actually find you are not "going to L.A.", but "bringing Mary to us" and that you make the opportunities wherever you go, not that they make you. Enjoy the journey!
I played my first gig in five years last night, and this was the piece of content that I chose to consume intentionally with my morning coffee following the show. As a musician wanting to make music my career via performance and production who has contemplated moving to California for most of my life, this video offered so much perspective. The realistic bent that you gave this video is essential and from one artist to another, thank you Mary. You are becoming one of the most important creators in this digital space in my eyes. Keep pushing for those dreams
I saw you play at the Komedia, I was blown away by your sheer passion. Yes that really was Johnny Depp at the front. Keep on keeping on and more power to you.
Dear Mary, California Dreaming is something we have all done. I am not a musician, but I went to University four 4 yrs in Nashville. It is a great town for music and I know you would fit in well there. After graduation, I had a military career that took me around the world and dropped me off in Cali, where I had long dreamed of living since childhood. I have resided here ever since. I love the SoCal weather and outdoorsy surfing/boarding/biking vibe, but living in LA can be disheartening and even dangerous. After a couple years in LA myself, I settled 90 miles South closer to San Diego, which is much less troublesome. However, if I am completely honest, I often miss Nashville. I know you have developed some great friendships with Rick B and Marty S. Their opinions would probably hold more water than some random guy like me, but I thought I would offer my “two cents” worth anyway since I have lived in both places.
San Diego has an insular, small-town music scene. I spent eight years beating my face against that brick wall. LA is the best city in CA to get off the ground. Mary may have done better in NYC, or Nashville if she eschewed bodily autonomy, but this isn’t a terrible decision.
@@deviationblue Good discussion. I can’t argue that LA has more opportunities for recording artists and others, but it also has more pitfalls as well. There are dozens of cities north and south of LA that are commuting distance without the same notoriously bad things. North SD and OC could be good stepping off points for someone like Mary. I know we all want what’s best for Mary and I just hope she takes it to heart that she can reach her goals in other places like Nashville, San Diego, or Atlanta, perhaps as a precursor to moving to LA. Nicolas made the point that there is no rush to get to LA immediately.
You're the best Mary. I wish you every success, and I will be proud to say that I knew you back when. This is very exciting news and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
I am 65 now. I am born and raised here in Los Angeles. I live in Burbank which has a small town feel. I bought my home 25 years ago when prices were reasonable. It used to be an aerospace town but now it is a movie music industry town. All those that support the industry live here. We have many studios here in Burbank like Warner Brothers and Disney. Universal Studios is a few blocks next door. If you move here you do need a car. Public transportation is really lacking here and that is why we have a ton of traffic. We have a lot of vintage clothing shops in Magnolia Park. I know one of the best guitar set up guys and his name is Eric at Eric’s Guitar Shop in Van Nuys. He works on many famous musicians guitars. I play as a hobby and he has worked on two of my guitars. I loved what he did to my Stratocaster, he lowered the action with no buzzing and my guitar is a lot more comfortable to play now. I say move out here and give it 6 months to see if you like it here.
My buddy moved there. he plays rock music. He said it is next to impossible to start a band or do anything that isn't country. He has been there for 5 years and he is now moving out of there.
@@ParanormalResponse True, its the gay money funding it all, they just want cute cowboys up there on stage. jk , but there always that market you could pander too, and thers no shame whatsoever in that, we all try to hussel in our own way, lol jk i just wote that because mary was saying it at the same time i was typing
I think her youtube channel brings in a decent amount. She'll be fine anywhere. She's got talent for days. My brother moved to LA at 18, with a couple hundred dollars and he's turned his art into a very lucrative career. Fear based decision making does not allow you to reach your potential.
Hi Mary, I live in Laguna Beach….. and it truly is Paradise…I hope you make a visit here before you go home after trying to cope with LA…….. Laguna is an artist colony with more culture and art than most places on the globe. It’s ridiculously expensive, but welcoming and beautiful. Good Luck 🍀 on your adventure.
My experience with social media posts has been exactly the opposite of what you describe. I am involved with an open mic, and was even one their "house musicians" for a long time. The people I met from that is how I made decent money as a session musician, or a stand-in for gigs. I even joined a couple bands by doing that. It is all about getting on stage, showing your skills, and speaking with people in person. However, social media has been a whole lot of nothing. The very few people who responded would always big talk about the gigs they planned to play, only for the conversation to immediately stop the moment I asked when we can meet up. Social media will only ever attract the kind who never leave the garage, if they even get that far. In all honesty, I believe social media is what you DON'T want to use. If you want to get anywhere, you need to be performing, and speaking in person. If you want to meet REAL bands, REAL musicians, you need to be playing where they play, and meeting as many as possible. There is no substitute for in person.
Welcome, Mary. I've lived in the greater Los Angeles area all my life, and know that music can easily be found here. Sometimes in small venues, I've come across very talented musicians. What a gem! Wishing you the best here in LA.
As a teenager growing up in the LA area in the 60' and 70's there was so much music happening that it was hard to earn enough money to see it all. Wonderful place to be at the time. Keep working on your songwriting.
I have to be honest, I don’t think this is a good idea Mary, LA’s not a bad place to live but I don’t think it’s liveable for someone like you, who clearly has a lot of intelligence and understanding of the music industry, If I was going to move or work anywhere creatively from my home town it would be the closest to home with your interests, for both the location and the people, I’m currently studying music production in a city 9 miles from my home with a very good music scene and good folk to socialise with in both interests and personal lives, and although I plan to go back to my home town to continue studying I think I’m gonna keep one foot in the city I’m in now, but that’s my advice, do what you think is right for you and if it doesn’t work, you can always come back home.
I've lived in 7 countries, but I have been in San Francisco for 20+ years. My work is actually in Long Beach, and I quite like LA, but it's extremely neighborhood dependent and very diverse - it's really it's own planet. I'd probably live in LA if the weather was cooler. One thing to keep in mind is that, because you drive everywhere, people from different areas really don't mingle. A friend more a 20 minutes drive away is someone you are not likely to see often. And during rush hour, it can take an insane amount of time to get anywhere - it once took me 7 hours to go from Riverside to Santa Monica - about 70 miles. Point is, if you move to LA, pick your neighborhood carefully. All that said, I don't know a thing about the current music industry.
I've lived in LA since 2015 and I love it. I wouldn't say being here is going to make anyone a bigger star. But there is a great aura here that can inspire and motivate your creative side. The weather is also a plus and one of my favorite things about living here. Another great thing about LA is how diverse it is culturally and artistically. Tons of great paces to eat and there are always a lot of great music shows and events to go to. I also love the fact that there are mountains, forests, beaches, suburbs, and the city life all in one place. I don't necessarily think LA is an easier place for an artist to make it. But I do think LA has a lot of connections and a lot of jobs for any type of musician, engineer, or artist. All it takes is for the right person to hear your music and that can make a huge impact on your career.
I've lived in LA most of my life, and actually love this place, it's home. The food, the diversity of cultures, and the mostly wonderful and friendly people make it worthwhile. There are good places and bad places, like any city, and yes traffic can be bad sometimes. The trick is to learn when and where to go, and it might take you some time getting used to it when you first arrive. I would recommend exploring extensively before finally picking where you want to live. Beware of the housing expense. I know many people that pay more in rent than I do for my mortgage, sometimes even double. However, you get what you pay for, and there are some amazing places to live if you can. Looking forward to hearing more about your prospects. Good luck!
I would argue that a lot of the motivation for LA's centrality in the music world was the Wrecking Crew and that the Laurel Canyon folks came here because of them.
Best of luck Mary - I grew up in Laurel Canyon and was a young teenager when the Laurel Canyon sound was at it's peak. All of those artists were young and crazy and made some wonderful music. So many of my friends are in the entertainment business. The world has changed a LOT since those heady times. I haven't lived in LA in a long time but I am there frequently to visit family. I wish you luck on your adventure. You have a gift of communication and your music is enjoyed by so many. Good luck and I'm sure you will make LA shine!
Los Angeles has always been an amazing community for musicians going back to the Laurel Canyon days. Cheers from New York, wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you Mary for not only sharing your thoughts about LA, but also about how music scenes evolve (and disappear). You gave a me a "chuckle-moment" with your term "musicians bringing refreshments" (and the pause before "refreshments")... And as much as I understand that no such list can ever be complete, I was kind of disappointed that I never heard the names of Chicago ("Home of the Electric Blues") and even more Detroit - which seems to be ever renewing itself, constandtly changing, creative epicenter. Thank you for the video - keep up the good work!
I grew up in LA in the late 50s and early 60s. I couldn't wait to leave, and I avoid going back. I was recently in London, Dublin and NYC and looked at apartment prices in all three and they are exorbitant to say the least. But, I'm not a musician or artist and what you said at the end of the video about having only one life to live and following your dream is spot on! Best of luck to you whatever you choose :)
I'm English and the fact that you're English too makes me feel kind of proud: don't mean to offend or flag wave. Love the way you use the language, how you sound. There are roots there too.
The collab I never expected but always wanted haha! I’ve been following Nick for nearly 10 years here on TH-cam. You both are amazing musicians in your own right. Best of luck!
LA has changed a lot since the legends you researched were there, but good luck and I hope your dreams come true. I am glad you have a friend there to guide you. Be careful and stay safe as LA can be a very dangerous place. Try not to walk around by yourself.
L.A. is not a good place to move to. The taxes, and rent are outrageous, crime is through the roof, homelessness is around every corner, and people are using drugs out in the open. There is literally human poop 💩 and syringes on the sidewalks. If you move to L.A. I hope it works out for you. Best of luck Ms. Spender.
Good luck Mary, wherever you go you'll be the great and kind person you have always been, and I'll always be following your progress. Have fun, be brave, be fierce, and never stop growing! 👍❤️
In my opinion, you can't compare yourself to someone else's success in LA or any other place. Your success will always be dictated by your talent no matter where you are located. People who want to work with you will find you wherever you are.
All I'll say is that my favorite bands Nightwish & The Warning are still living and creating music in their hometown of Kitee, Finland and Monterrey, Mexico and have build themselves quite the careers, so I suspect that where you are is not as important, as hard work and being dedicated.
As a California native of 37 years, I would advise against it, I used to say I would never leave but it has become an absolute nightmare and it sucks because it is such a beautiful place, it has dramatically improved my life leaving the state. Good luck
I'm also reminded of something that Paul Westerberg said of his former band mate Tommy Stinson moving to LA to join Guns n Roses. He said something like, "You don't go to LA to be an artist. You go to LA to be a star."
Good call. L.A. sucks the honesty, and soul out of people. I was a staff writer, and session player there in 67-69. I live in San Francisco, but the company I worked for was in Woodland Hills - early 1990s - I would commute once a week for a day. L.A. / Hollywood- Bev Hill is as superficial as it gets. My only suggestion would be Nashville.
Go for it Mary. Everything is a risk when chasing passion/creativity and exploring how far it will reach. Time is your friend for now. Use it now to pursue what you love to do and see where it leads you. All the best! Loving your journey!
In all candor, Mary. You are too good for LA. It is a terrible place to live and I have lived all over California and much of the US. LA has not produced much in the way of important music for a long time, unless you want to try and be Lana Del Rey, and I think you are too god for that.
The successful musicians I know have been the ones who network well. Most have lived in LA at one time or another but ultimately chose to not live in LA and they still get plenty of work based on quality of their playing, versatility and connections they have made.
I grew up in LA in the 1970s. It’s not what it was in any respect. The magic of the music during that period is long gone, replaced by a shallow celebrity culture. It’s empty. Oh and don’t forget the homeless, crime, high prices and high taxes. The great weather almost makes up for it. But not really.
I lived in LA from '79-89. It was a great time for recording studios. I was a Contributing Editor for Mix Magazine from '84-89 and got to visit a lot of the big studios. By the end of the 80s, the home studio trend had begun and many studios started to close. There is an ebb and flow to this business. I moved back to CLE in '89 and never looked back.
I wish you well in everything you do, Mary! I have followed you and watched your videos for years now. But it's unbelievable to see a musician from the UK looking at the US with stars in her eyes! May I remind you: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones. Elton John, Eric Clapton,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Need I to go on? I'm not British or a American, so I can say this: You come from the land of the best! :D
I grew up in the Venice area of L.A. and it was great for someone wanting to be a musician back in the 60's there was music everywhere. I worked as roadie, recording engineer, musician, gofor for management companies and many years working at a large music school. L.A. did go through a slump, but over last decade or so appears to be the hot spot again for Rock, Pop, and similar music. These days I'm mainly a Jazz person and NYC is still the best place for that especially for touring. NYC musicians pickup lots of European gigs, but they won't hire L.A. musicians, they act like L.A. is on another planet, no it just a few more hours on a jet. I did leave L.A. once I retired for the usually reasons traffic, cost of living, gentrification. If still young I'd stay in L.A. but now live about 90 minutes away so I can still get to L.A. when there is some music I want to check out. Hope you enjoy your time in L.A. the music scene seems to be full force again and you should fit right in,
LA is basically another country to people on the east coast. I live in NYC and get to Portugal or LA in the same amount of time. The additional 6 hours is a big deal.
Welcome. Came here in '92 from Australia and worked the music scene for a decade. Now I work in film. Still plenty of great gigs here as well as TV and Film soundtrack work.
I wish you the best where ever you decide to go. Personally, Nashville seems like a much more interesting music scene right now with so many great guitar and singer/songwriter artists coming out of there. Or just southern US in general with Atlanta and New Orleans being close at hand there. LA may have a huge music scene but it also has some really huge problems and difficulties that I find intolerable. No amount of success or financial gain would entice me to live there.
Welcome to the Machine, its siren call is truly difficult to ignore. I do wish you the best experience as your past music is you and reflects your lovely nature. It will be interesting to see what the Machine wishes your future sound to be. Take care and stay safe.
Having spent my younger life in LA county, (San Gabriel Valley to be exact) I moved away. What I found is that opportunities are everywhere. Never forget that Willie Nelson left Nashville for Austin TX and of the best music made in the 60s, 70s & 80s was made in Muscle Shoals. Good luck wherever your journey takes you.
Best of luck Mary. I live in "The Valley" in LA now. There is a place for you here without a doubt. You already have your connections I am sure. I look forward to getting to see you play sometime.
Good luck on your move! LA can be a great place - I went to UCLA and lived in the Valley for a bit after graduating. So many great places, both within the city and relatively close by (e.g. Yosemite, diving up PCH, out to the desert, etc). I hope this means more collaborations with Reina del Cid, as I've really enjoyed your previous team-ups.
I have moved to LA three times in the last 40 years. It has changed so much! Rents are outlandish and the homelessness is crazy!
Yeah, having lived in LA for decades and watched it devolve from a beautiful city and state to a textbook lesson in dysfunction. IMO LA's glory days are gone. The working musicians I know have all moved to Nashville.
@@guitarmore I have lived in Nashville a couple of times as well.. I played several sets a day at the Turf, the Wagon Wheel and three doors down on Broadway, Kenny Chesney was doing the same thing at the time. Last time I stayed there was 2012 and it was not nearly as easy to get in the door anywhere. That kind of killed the buzz for me.
If you want to be a music employee/professional, go to LA. If you are an artist and want to be known for who you are, do not do it unless you already have real buzz going on. There is no music scene there, you still have to leave to succeed, there is no local music culture. People there only show up for the thing that's already happening, you cannot grow there. The Lyft driver story is exact. I know some players in real bands that sell big numbers and play big tours, and when they come home to LA they work security at a bar or deliver food or some bullshit. It's too expensive to ever get ahead unless you hit it really big. And for that, you need to making pop music. There is nothing else that will pay you LA living expenses. The culture has gone 100% social media influencers, douche bags, and the rich kids of oligarchs, dictators and CEO's. The dark weird cool LA that you hear stories about is gone.
Pretty sure she already has a real buzz going on…hence we’re here.
@@andrewbonica Well for one I was giving a general advisory and two, no she doesn't. Nobody in the actual music world knows who she is. You need a label and or management working for you and something commercially going on that has nothing to do with youtube for a general audience in LA to show up at shows consistently. You need a management structure, it's like that. If you think that sounds fucked up, yes, it is! But that is the reality. There are much bigger names than her who are sitting in that city unappreciated and doing next to nothing there. I actually know two brilliant artists who spent years there totally useless. They left about a year ago and recently signed major label deals from being discovered in other cities.
LA is lazy, it wants the work already done.
You failed to comprehend my point , which is, it's a company town. You work for the system or you don't work. As an artist, that can actually be worse than being in a small city because art is not about the job. When you do the job you get put in the "worker" box. You do not get a shot at the "artist" box. There is no exception to the rule.
She works for the system (TH-cam,) she'll be fine. She fits into the influencer scene and that will be it's own thing for her. It will be a shocking occurrence if she gets taken seriously there as an artist.
@@cropcircle5693 I agree. If she does anything beyond TH-cam I’d be shocked
@@cropcircle5693 Thanks for the explanation. FYI, I'm an artist manager in LA.
I'm not a professional musician, so I won't comment on the experience of trying to make a living as an artist here. But as someone who lives in the city and loves music deeply, the claim that there is no local music culture is simply not true, especially on the East side of the city. There are many venues like the Zebulon, ETA, the York, 2220 Arts + Archives, (pre-pandemic, there was the bluewhale, which I loved dearly), and several others that are devoted to letting musicians explore paths that are not going to get them mainstream notoriety and yet pack out shows. It's a big reason why several of my friends and I do not want to leave this place.
Mary, you are one of the few TH-camrs that I can listen to all day. Your voice is soothing, your production is impeccable, and your delivery is eloquent. No matter where you’re located, I hope you continue this TH-cam journey.
I grew up in Los Angeles. It's a very different city now. In the early 2000s I was in a band called Cynic Guru. We had the head A&R of Atlantic managing us. Our lead singer played violin and we had a mix of complicated and simple songs. It was unique to say the least. We played the old sunset strip. We had residencies at an old club called the Coconut Teaser (now gone) and the Roxy and the Viper Room and the Whiskey. In fact, I used to see Lemmy from Motorhead drinking his jack and coke in the bar at the Rainbow Room after we finished our set. We were extremely close to getting a "demo deal" which was what they were referred to as at the time. But at that same time, Napster came out and the record companies started not signing any demo deals due to the uncertain nature of what these new streaming services would bring. Also, the sunset strip was winding down and a lot of the scene moved south to Orange County. Due to fear of Napster, the record labels started to only sign indie artists that were signed on a smaller indie labels but moving 200, 000 to 300,000 units (cds at the time). These were bands including No Doubt. Our singer got frustrated and got offered second chair violin in the Icelandic Symphony which is an amazing job. So he took it and he continued the band in Iceland where, believe it or not, they did really well. They played huge venues. They never fully took off but they did a lot of touring. The 2000s were a very shifting time in music. I ended up composing music for television and video games which I had actually been doing since 1999, but I got much more work as the years moved on. I have my own studio, and the funny thing is, most of my clients are from overseas including Japan. LA is definitely great for musician gigs but it is still a very expensive place to live. Great video! Just thought I'd share my story in LA, but from the perspective of being from LA.
ahhh the teaser...
No Doubt was signed to Interscope in 1990 by the man himself, Jimmy Iovine. They got sublicensed to Trauma Records in 1993, which caused issues in 1995 after "Tragic Kingdom" was released and blew up (and of course Interscope suddenly wanted them exclusively again).
No Doubt was never a band coming up on an indie label, they were signed to a major from the start (similar to Paramore and other groups that got put through "the grind circuit" during their early years). The majors started to like handing off their new artists to indie-esque labels because it reduced costs and created more fan loyalty, giving the perception that the band was coming up from more "organic" roots, and helped forge the artist's skillset. It was also easier to shrug them off if they failed to meet expectations, and those who did rise above the grind and "break out" would just get pulled back into their initial deal.
There was also a massive push for signing bands in the late 90's/early 2000's, depending on the area you were in, because a new scene of music was exploding across the US and everybody wanted a piece of it. While the labels weren't sure what to do with digital distribution, that didn't stop them from wanting to own anything that had potential for success. They had lawyers to deal with the piracy. A&R dudes were literally hanging out in specific venues throwing deals at any band playing shows. It's actually what pushed what we now call the "emo rock" scene into the commercial stronghold. MCR, The Used, Story of the Year, Senses Fail, Saosin, etc., were all a part of that weird time.
Cool story/journey! I’d say that LA is truly the town where people who do stuff to support film will succeed. Compose for film, sound design, post production, music to target sync placements, etc will do well. The more traditional original music is a lot harder to make ends meet here now.
@@ckreon Yeah, I used a bad example in No Doubt. My point was they recommended us to sign with a smaller label to move some units as a way to get picked up by a bigger label.
My wife and I lived in San Francisco for almost 9 years and found it very eye-opening. For us, L.A. is just too spread out - and we've wasted so many hours in traffic when we've visited. Last November, we sold all we owned and now travel the world with just carry-on luggage. We're finding that every country we visit inspires us in a different way. Thanks for being the inspiration for so many of us amateur musicians, Mary. Cheers from our home (for this month) in Broughty Ferry!
Lomita, south of L.A., is where I grew up. Went to Don Kirshner's Rock Concerts many times when I was a teen in Long Beach. Saw Chicago, Elton john, and Jethro Tull at the Fabulous Forum in the 70's. Those were good times. My grand parents are buried in Forest Lawn where Michael Jackson is buried. Gigged in and around L.A. and in Orange County when I was 18-20 years old and learned the craft of playing live in clubs there. I left for the last time in 1987. I have been back to visit, surf, sail in San Diego Bay, and visit friends, but I wouldn't live there now. It's crazy expensive, the traffic is insane, the politics are horrible, and life is better without the city. The weather is the best in the world though. I'll give them that. Fix the politics and I'll consider moving back. Other than that I'll stay away. Not even going there for vacation anymore.
No matter where you are or where you go you are and always will be the source of your music. Keep on creating.
and youll always be who you are
I'm reminded of Paul Westerberg's refusal to move to LA or NYC but stay in his home town of Minneapolis. He said, "I always thought it was more helpful for me to stay. L.A. gobbles you up, and New York does the same. To me, anybody who has to move somewhere to become something they're not isn't the real thing. If you've gotta move to Los Angeles to make it, then you ain't got it."
Really, Mary .... YOU DON'T NEED L.A.
Mary, I grew up in LA, Laurel Canyon, and all the related places you deftly listed in your video. You are also correct that "things change" and the LA music scene is forever changed and is nothing like those heady times in 1970 LA. I have no doubt you'll figure out how to build on your brand and take advantage of the musical, education, and other creative opportunities that abound there. LA is like no other place on earth, I hope the place doesn't suck the life out of you as your journey unfolds. It'll be fascinating to chart your progress as you immerse yourself in that crazy world. If anyone can make sense out of living in LA, I suspect you're the perfect person to show how it's done.
..anything is possible.
@@oceancrosby4578 too bad she went for the clickbait title
@@andrewsmith7543 The clickbait title worked on me as I pondered how I could accidentally on purpose meet cute with her. Hopes dashed..
It’s horrible if you’re a business owner, or want to save money. It’s a filthy place full of lunatics.
May LA bring you what you need, what you want and enough of the unexpected to keep you, your music and your channel inspired. You have many songwriters rooting for you.
And worst case scenario, you still have the rest of the world.
I am looking forward to seeing what you do next. Break a leg!
she's going to need it for the rent/mortgage.
I lived in LA for 13 years and loved it… we were close to making it, but fate change the music genre and we found ourselves lost without direction. It was such an amazing experience and at times felt like I was realizing my dream… the stories I could share… after I left, it took 25 years to start making music again… I live in Texas now and have released over 60 songs and a new album. I believe no matter where we live, we make our own opportunities. Mary Spender, no matter where you live, you will continue to grow your fan base… your extra special and a million followers adore you. I can recommend some amazing restaurants… be safe on your journey
Most of those restaurants are probably sadly closed now. LA is not like it once was. you got out at the right time.
@@skyko What are you basing that assumption on? There's 10+ million ppl in L.A. and you think most of the amazing restaurants Lonny spoke of are all gone? What would be the alternative? That everyone is now just doing fast food or home cooking in L.A.? Not a chance.
Poorly run, or just crappy ones fail all the time. And new ones open in their place. This is a fact of life in the restaurant business. Plus, the great ones, as long as they don't have lease issues, or too much debt, can last for quite some time. [in any city].
If only you never thought you nearly made it, it's poison to dreams, because you keep looking back romanticly on that if only time.
But glad your making music again.
@@EdwoodCA Thanks for the service industry lesson.
As someone who has lived in LA for 10 years and in music, LA is NOT the place for you, Nashville is the place. Most of my friends have struggled to make ends meet in LA because of how expensive it is. All of those people have moved to Nashville or portland and found a LOT more success there. I am hoping to get out myself.
The LA music scene is mostly pop/rap music these days. Yes there are a few great contacts here and popular TH-camrs, but not the same as other cities. Nashville is insane for singer-songwriters like you though. LA is extremely goal oriented and business too less hang focused like you mentioned in the video in the olden days.
As far as venues, some have closed in the pandemic sadly. And many of the ones that are still around are very shady. With the amount of people who live here I’d think there would be more music venues.
As far as the interview: From the angle of touring sure i get that because a lot of pop stars tour with musicians. Though the KEY part is that he was doing gig economy work, nearly every musician i know is doing gig economy work between gigs (which are harder to come by now). That being said more and more people are doing live streaming and LEAVING LA because they can do it anywhere. And it’s often more $ than touring or gig economy work.
I’d say that LA has definitely priced out actual musicians. It’s a lot of people who have rich parents or are rich themselves and also do music. The full time musicians here are often older and successful elsewhere. I think because of your fame/successes elsewhere it may give you opportunities many other people couldn’t get, but i still think the power LA has is with pop music over singer-songwriter stuff. Like i said, I have many friends who moved to Nashville. I would say the shift happened 5-7 or so years ago or so where it went from a lot of singer-songwriters to an overwhelming number of pop artists. A lot of people in LA just wanna be famous tbh. Very opportunistic and goal oriented as well (not in a good way).
Agree, Nashville is not just a place for country musicians these days, think she'd be much better off in Nashville with its diverse music scene, & a much more livable space than L. A.
Yep, agree 100%.
Might ask Robyn Hitchcock's opinion.
Interested to know if you're still in LA, and why?
@@rupertcaney I’m still in LA because I can’t afford to leave yet, but saving up right now to move to portland. My family is all here too so it’s a bit easier because of that. They moved here in 2011 (well my brother in like 2002?), me in 2012. Currently selling off audio gear I won’t be using anytime soon.
Best of luck in your grand adventure Mary. The LA music scene was my playground from 1975- 1984, just when bands like VH, Toto, Aerosmith, were full steam and Black Flag and other counter culture bands were filling clubs off the Strip. We played the venues, recorded in a famous studio and took our best shot but 10 years in I had had enough. Several friends are still there doing their thing and my hat is off to them but for me it was a chapter that needed to end.
As a relatively unknown TH-camr, I really look for and appreciate anyone on social media who is genuine and honest in their work. I despise click bait or anything like it. Having said that, I want to say thank you for what you do and how you do it. I feel like it takes a lot of courage to put videos of yourself on a platform like TH-cam for the whole world to see. It's fascinating to me to watch others share their passions, talents and life journeys with the rest of us. I especially enjoy watching and listening to artists who have genuine talent. I used to play guitar, and many years ago I actually worked at Martin Guitar in Nazareth, PA. By the way, the D 15 is my favorite model! I love the sound from that mahogany body! Over the years though, I've discovered that driving is my true passion. So now I'm a truck driver and enjoy traveling across the USA. I look forward to seeing what your future holds! Keep up the hard work! I always believe that good, honest hard work is one of the best and most rewarding parts of life!
I lived and worked in LA for 20+ years as a studio musician, singer songwriter...for songwriters, I would think Nashville is the best spot now. But, as someone who grew up in "southern culture"...that might be a HUGE culture shock...making LA a much better fit. I tried Nashville for 3 months, couldn't stomach it. YMMV.
Mary, you're not only an exceptional musician, you have the extraordinary gift of inspiring others on a human level. If you ever have a down day, remember how miraculous you are. And yes you're right, we all certainly are... in our own way.
Been in LA for about 8 months now and love it. We put together an in house studio and been recording all different genres.
LA is crazy expensive. I would look at the San Antonio music scene. I’m a firm believer in being a bigger fish in a smaller pond. But you may be in the best place already
I never clicked with LA, more power to you guys. I feel like Nashville is where it's at right now.
Great to having you coming to California. LA is a huge area. There are places to avoid but lots of good places. I live about 50 miles south of Los Angeles near the coast. Lots of great places to chose from around Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Just learn when to avoid the traffic and where not to go. The weather can't be beat.
I didn't notice the question mark at the end of the video title either.
@@HumbleTrader001 Exactly; she didn’t specifically say that she WAS moving…
Insane idea.
Mary I have always found you incredible, you have a warm heart and are dedicated to music I respect you alot keep it up. we support you! make it big!
I grew up in Japan until when I was 21 then I moved to Boston. I have been living in USA for over 36 years now! It was a great decision for me!
Well, you are an amazing guitarist and Berklee guitar music professor so I think that's great! My daughter is at Berklee for singing and songwriting ( completing her 2nd year). Unfortunately she doesn't play guitar so may not have the good fortune to learn guitar from you. Berklee and Boston arel lucky to have you there. Have a great day, Tomo.
Nashville seems much better place from what I have heard. The cost of living in LA is so crazy its not worth the stress.
If it does not work out don't be crushed by it. Your talent is big enough to survive and thrive wherever you are .
LA is just about the last place in the world I would want to live. However, all this information you gave is…very valuable! Gracias
Welcome to LA! It is a different city now than it was back in the 90s for sure. It has its roses and thorns. Perhaps, the latter more so than the former these days. Enjoy! I have lived here for 16 years. LA is probably the best city in the world to be a session musician. As you can get gigs for major movies, tv series and recording artists, et al.
I did it. Moved from Australia to LA. It's a tough city and full of other people in your industry that were too good for their home town. Everyone here has known success and failure at some point. There is support and opportunity everywhere and it is a great place to grow as a creative.
'too good for their home town'. That will make going back after you have failed rather difficult.
LA is a huge dump.
@@smelltheglove2038 that's an understatement
@@MaestroJericho the worst part it’s that people with a socialist world view move there, find out it’s impossible to live around tens of thousands of uncontrollable drug addicts, then move to a place like Nashville. Once there they fundamentally change the new location by voting for the same exact policies that destroyed California, never realizing that them and their voting habits are the problem.
I love the positivity! I moved from Epsom, Surrey to The States in 1988, working in studios, radio, TV, movies, and now music again, and have been in the L.A. County area more solidly for the past 3 months. It's great if, as you do (more than I), have a true reason for coming, and good support and resources. Yes, but maybe (depending on how the winds blow) use it as a stepping stone to Nashville, Austin, NY, even Atlanta, etc . . . the artist's drive will propel us to places others may feel reticent yet we feel called to. In the end, just knowing of you a very, very, little, you may actually find you are not "going to L.A.", but "bringing Mary to us" and that you make the opportunities wherever you go, not that they make you. Enjoy the journey!
Have you spoken to Tim Pierce about being a working LA-based musician/guitarist? That would be an interesting interview!
I played my first gig in five years last night, and this was the piece of content that I chose to consume intentionally with my morning coffee following the show. As a musician wanting to make music my career via performance and production who has contemplated moving to California for most of my life, this video offered so much perspective. The realistic bent that you gave this video is essential and from one artist to another, thank you Mary. You are becoming one of the most important creators in this digital space in my eyes. Keep pushing for those dreams
I saw you play at the Komedia, I was blown away by your sheer passion. Yes that really was Johnny Depp at the front. Keep on keeping on and more power to you.
Dear Mary,
California Dreaming is something we have all done. I am not a musician, but I went to University four 4 yrs in Nashville. It is a great town for music and I know you would fit in well there. After graduation, I had a military career that took me around the world and dropped me off in Cali, where I had long dreamed of living since childhood. I have resided here ever since.
I love the SoCal weather and outdoorsy surfing/boarding/biking vibe, but living in LA can be disheartening and even dangerous. After a couple years in LA myself, I settled 90 miles South closer to San Diego, which is much less troublesome. However, if I am completely honest, I often miss Nashville. I know you have developed some great friendships with Rick B and Marty S. Their opinions would probably hold more water than some random guy like me, but I thought I would offer my “two cents” worth anyway since I have lived in both places.
San Diego has an insular, small-town music scene. I spent eight years beating my face against that brick wall.
LA is the best city in CA to get off the ground. Mary may have done better in NYC, or Nashville if she eschewed bodily autonomy, but this isn’t a terrible decision.
@@deviationblue
Good discussion. I can’t argue that LA has more opportunities for recording artists and others, but it also has more pitfalls as well. There are dozens of cities north and south of LA that are commuting distance without the same notoriously bad things. North SD and OC could be good stepping off points for someone like Mary. I know we all want what’s best for Mary and I just hope she takes it to heart that she can reach her goals in other places like Nashville, San Diego, or Atlanta, perhaps as a precursor to moving to LA. Nicolas made the point that there is no rush to get to LA immediately.
You're the best Mary. I wish you every success, and I will be proud to say that I knew you back when. This is very exciting news and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
I am 65 now. I am born and raised here in Los Angeles. I live in Burbank which has a small town feel. I bought my home 25 years ago when prices were reasonable. It used to be an aerospace town but now it is a movie music industry town. All those that support the industry live here. We have many studios here in Burbank like Warner Brothers and Disney. Universal Studios is a few blocks next door. If you move here you do need a car. Public transportation is really lacking here and that is why we have a ton of traffic. We have a lot of vintage clothing shops in Magnolia Park. I know one of the best guitar set up guys and his name is Eric at Eric’s Guitar Shop in Van Nuys. He works on many famous musicians guitars. I play as a hobby and he has worked on two of my guitars. I loved what he did to my Stratocaster, he lowered the action with no buzzing and my guitar is a lot more comfortable to play now. I say move out here and give it 6 months to see if you like it here.
Honestly, Nashville is a better place to start. The problem with LA is living here when waiting for work.
commented 16 mins ago hmmmm
My buddy moved there. he plays rock music. He said it is next to impossible to start a band or do anything that isn't country. He has been there for 5 years and he is now moving out of there.
@@ParanormalResponse True, its the gay money funding it all, they just want cute cowboys up there on stage. jk , but there always that market you could pander too, and thers no shame whatsoever in that, we all try to hussel in our own way, lol jk i just wote that because mary was saying it at the same time i was typing
@@pianoatthirty Same with Seattle. and NY. We are screwed!
I think her youtube channel brings in a decent amount. She'll be fine anywhere. She's got talent for days. My brother moved to LA at 18, with a couple hundred dollars and he's turned his art into a very lucrative career. Fear based decision making does not allow you to reach your potential.
Hi Mary, I live in Laguna Beach….. and it truly is Paradise…I hope you make a visit here before you go home after trying to cope with LA…….. Laguna is an artist colony with more culture and art than most places on the globe. It’s ridiculously expensive, but welcoming and beautiful. Good Luck 🍀 on your adventure.
I live in LA, its cool but traffic is crazy and rent is expensive. But theres a lot to do especially for a musician.
My experience with social media posts has been exactly the opposite of what you describe.
I am involved with an open mic, and was even one their "house musicians" for a long time. The people I met from that is how I made decent money as a session musician, or a stand-in for gigs. I even joined a couple bands by doing that. It is all about getting on stage, showing your skills, and speaking with people in person.
However, social media has been a whole lot of nothing. The very few people who responded would always big talk about the gigs they planned to play, only for the conversation to immediately stop the moment I asked when we can meet up. Social media will only ever attract the kind who never leave the garage, if they even get that far.
In all honesty, I believe social media is what you DON'T want to use. If you want to get anywhere, you need to be performing, and speaking in person. If you want to meet REAL bands, REAL musicians, you need to be playing where they play, and meeting as many as possible. There is no substitute for in person.
Love ya Mary. So much talent no matter where you live
Don't go!! Stay in touch. Keep turning out the great music.
I love LA. I’m not a musician by trade but I can’t wait to go to a local show of yours.
Welcome, Mary.
I've lived in the greater Los Angeles area all my life, and know that music can easily be found here.
Sometimes in small venues, I've come across very talented musicians. What a gem!
Wishing you the best here in LA.
No matter where you go, there you are.
Best of luck to you if you choose to move to LA. I left SoCal by choice 30 years ago for a quiet small town, and have loved it.
As a teenager growing up in the LA area in the 60' and 70's there was so much music happening that it was hard to earn enough money to see it all. Wonderful place to be at the time. Keep working on your songwriting.
that had to be so cool at that "Laurel Canyon" time.
California is lucky to have you! Hope you continue to enjoy our beautiful state. You definitely inspire me!
Imagine it being 2023, and you make a conscious effort to move to California.
Good luck, Mary. Stay sweet. Guard your heart. Guard your soul.
I have to be honest, I don’t think this is a good idea Mary, LA’s not a bad place to live but I don’t think it’s liveable for someone like you, who clearly has a lot of intelligence and understanding of the music industry, If I was going to move or work anywhere creatively from my home town it would be the closest to home with your interests, for both the location and the people, I’m currently studying music production in a city 9 miles from my home with a very good music scene and good folk to socialise with in both interests and personal lives, and although I plan to go back to my home town to continue studying I think I’m gonna keep one foot in the city I’m in now, but that’s my advice, do what you think is right for you and if it doesn’t work, you can always come back home.
LFG! Do it, you won't regret it, let's write some songs!
It was great seeing you perform at NAMM…wonderful guitarist, beautiful voice and talented song writer!! I wish you continued success!!
I've lived in 7 countries, but I have been in San Francisco for 20+ years. My work is actually in Long Beach, and I quite like LA, but it's extremely neighborhood dependent and very diverse - it's really it's own planet. I'd probably live in LA if the weather was cooler. One thing to keep in mind is that, because you drive everywhere, people from different areas really don't mingle. A friend more a 20 minutes drive away is someone you are not likely to see often. And during rush hour, it can take an insane amount of time to get anywhere - it once took me 7 hours to go from Riverside to Santa Monica - about 70 miles. Point is, if you move to LA, pick your neighborhood carefully. All that said, I don't know a thing about the current music industry.
Ngl it feels like and end of an era butim intreged about how the content will evolve and moving to la seems very cool and good luck in califorina
Another great video Mary !!!
You can make good music anywhere. Best to do music where you are comfortable.
I've lived in LA since 2015 and I love it. I wouldn't say being here is going to make anyone a bigger star. But there is a great aura here that can inspire and motivate your creative side. The weather is also a plus and one of my favorite things about living here. Another great thing about LA is how diverse it is culturally and artistically. Tons of great paces to eat and there are always a lot of great music shows and events to go to. I also love the fact that there are mountains, forests, beaches, suburbs, and the city life all in one place. I don't necessarily think LA is an easier place for an artist to make it. But I do think LA has a lot of connections and a lot of jobs for any type of musician, engineer, or artist. All it takes is for the right person to hear your music and that can make a huge impact on your career.
Thaty last sentence says it all.
"All it takes is for the right person to hear your music and that can make a huge impact on your career."
I've lived in LA most of my life, and actually love this place, it's home. The food, the diversity of cultures, and the mostly wonderful and friendly people make it worthwhile. There are good places and bad places, like any city, and yes traffic can be bad sometimes. The trick is to learn when and where to go, and it might take you some time getting used to it when you first arrive. I would recommend exploring extensively before finally picking where you want to live. Beware of the housing expense. I know many people that pay more in rent than I do for my mortgage, sometimes even double. However, you get what you pay for, and there are some amazing places to live if you can. Looking forward to hearing more about your prospects. Good luck!
I would argue that a lot of the motivation for LA's centrality in the music world was the Wrecking Crew and that the Laurel Canyon folks came here because of them.
Best of luck Mary - I grew up in Laurel Canyon and was a young teenager when the Laurel Canyon sound was at it's peak. All of those artists were young and crazy and made some wonderful music. So many of my friends are in the entertainment business. The world has changed a LOT since those heady times. I haven't lived in LA in a long time but I am there frequently to visit family. I wish you luck on your adventure. You have a gift of communication and your music is enjoyed by so many. Good luck and I'm sure you will make LA shine!
Cities rise and fall. The glitter is fading off Tinseltown.
Los Angeles has always been an amazing community for musicians going back to the Laurel Canyon days. Cheers from New York, wishing you the best of luck!
The city of shallowness, greed and superficiality!
Nah. Just the "industry" people.
Thank you Mary for not only sharing your thoughts about LA, but also about how music scenes evolve (and disappear).
You gave a me a "chuckle-moment" with your term "musicians bringing refreshments" (and the pause before "refreshments")...
And as much as I understand that no such list can ever be complete, I was kind of disappointed that I never heard the names of Chicago ("Home of the Electric Blues") and even more Detroit - which seems to be ever renewing itself, constandtly changing, creative epicenter.
Thank you for the video - keep up the good work!
I grew up in LA in the late 50s and early 60s. I couldn't wait to leave, and I avoid going back. I was recently in London, Dublin and NYC and looked at apartment prices in all three and they are exorbitant to say the least. But, I'm not a musician or artist and what you said at the end of the video about having only one life to live and following your dream is spot on! Best of luck to you whatever you choose :)
I'm English and the fact that you're English too makes me feel kind of proud: don't mean to offend or flag wave. Love the way you use the language, how you sound. There are roots there too.
The collab I never expected but always wanted haha! I’ve been following Nick for nearly 10 years here on TH-cam. You both are amazing musicians in your own right. Best of luck!
I am not a musician. However, I love watching and learning from your videos. Thank you! 😊
LA has changed a lot since the legends you researched were there, but good luck and I hope your dreams come true. I am glad you have a friend there to guide you. Be careful and stay safe as LA can be a very dangerous place. Try not to walk around by yourself.
Any large city can be. Also that does not mean there's no danger in a small town.
@@treetopjones737democrat spotted.
Good luck. LA is in decline. Big time. Stay SAFE. ❤🙏😿
LOVE THE CHANNEL.
just showing your journey is what people need to see realty. Literally. thanks Mary
L.A. is not a good place to move to. The taxes, and rent are outrageous, crime is through the roof, homelessness is around every corner, and people are using drugs out in the open. There is literally human poop 💩 and syringes on the sidewalks. If you move to L.A. I hope it works out for you. Best of luck Ms. Spender.
Good luck Mary, wherever you go you'll be the great and kind person you have always been, and I'll always be following your progress. Have fun, be brave, be fierce, and never stop growing! 👍❤️
In my opinion, you can't compare yourself to someone else's success in LA or any other place. Your success will always be dictated by your talent no matter where you are located. People who want to work with you will find you wherever you are.
Lol... obviously you have no clue how this works... talent is only a part of it
All I'll say is that my favorite bands Nightwish & The Warning are still living and creating music in their hometown of Kitee, Finland and Monterrey, Mexico and have build themselves quite the careers, so I suspect that where you are is not as important, as hard work and being dedicated.
Don't move to LA. Period. People are moving out in droves for a reason.
Hey Mary loved the way you said "refreshments". Brighton ain't doing so bad at the moment with Ren and his mates getting international recognition.
As a California native of 37 years, I would advise against it, I used to say I would never leave but it has become an absolute nightmare and it sucks because it is such a beautiful place, it has dramatically improved my life leaving the state. Good luck
Can't imagine moving TO California at this point. Last one out is a rotten egg. :)
12-year expatriate from the Midwest. Best decision I ever made.
California is the best state in the Union, and deserves to be its own country.
Best of luck, you are bound for really great things. Don't let LA change you. Explore up the Coast. -Cant wait to see your progress. -Paul
I'm also reminded of something that Paul Westerberg said of his former band mate Tommy Stinson moving to LA to join Guns n Roses. He said something like, "You don't go to LA to be an artist. You go to LA to be a star."
Good call. L.A. sucks the honesty, and soul out of people. I was a staff writer, and session player there in 67-69. I live in San Francisco, but the company I worked for was in Woodland Hills - early 1990s - I would commute once a week for a day. L.A. / Hollywood- Bev Hill is as superficial as it gets. My only suggestion would be Nashville.
Go for it Mary. Everything is a risk when chasing passion/creativity and exploring how far it will reach. Time is your friend for now. Use it now to pursue what you love to do and see where it leads you. All the best! Loving your journey!
I kind of want to hear Mary’s version of Frank Black’s “Los Angeles” now. It’d be pretty badass.
Frank Black’s first 3 solo albums kick ass!
Welcome to my home. Hope you have a fun time. :)
In all candor, Mary. You are too good for LA. It is a terrible place to live and I have lived all over California and much of the US. LA has not produced much in the way of important music for a long time, unless you want to try and be Lana Del Rey, and I think you are too god for that.
The successful musicians I know have been the ones who network well. Most have lived in LA at one time or another but ultimately chose to not live in LA and they still get plenty of work based on quality of their playing, versatility and connections they have made.
I grew up in LA in the 1970s. It’s not what it was in any respect. The magic of the music during that period is long gone, replaced by a shallow celebrity culture. It’s empty. Oh and don’t forget the homeless, crime, high prices and high taxes. The great weather almost makes up for it. But not really.
I lived in LA from '79-89. It was a great time for recording studios. I was a Contributing Editor for Mix Magazine from '84-89 and got to visit a lot of the big studios. By the end of the 80s, the home studio trend had begun and many studios started to close. There is an ebb and flow to this business. I moved back to CLE in '89 and never looked back.
Do you still work in the music business in CLE? Just curious.
@@Movieman1965 No, I am retired. I also worked in the radio biz and was on the air in CLE from 89-99. I still make music for my own enjoyment.
a ramble to sell adverts
I wish you well in everything you do, Mary! I have followed you and watched your videos for years now. But it's unbelievable to see a musician from the UK looking at the US with stars in her eyes! May I remind you: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones. Elton John, Eric Clapton,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Need I to go on? I'm not British or a American, so I can say this: You come from the land of the best! :D
I grew up in the Venice area of L.A. and it was great for someone wanting to be a musician back in the 60's there was music everywhere. I worked as roadie, recording engineer, musician, gofor for management companies and many years working at a large music school. L.A. did go through a slump, but over last decade or so appears to be the hot spot again for Rock, Pop, and similar music. These days I'm mainly a Jazz person and NYC is still the best place for that especially for touring. NYC musicians pickup lots of European gigs, but they won't hire L.A. musicians, they act like L.A. is on another planet, no it just a few more hours on a jet. I did leave L.A. once I retired for the usually reasons traffic, cost of living, gentrification. If still young I'd stay in L.A. but now live about 90 minutes away so I can still get to L.A. when there is some music I want to check out.
Hope you enjoy your time in L.A. the music scene seems to be full force again and you should fit right in,
LA is basically another country to people on the east coast. I live in NYC and get to Portugal or LA in the same amount of time. The additional 6 hours is a big deal.
As usual Mary: Thank You!!❤
Probably the best thing you mentioned is "live the time you have"! LA is great but connections and contacts are crucial.
Welcome. Came here in '92 from Australia and worked the music scene for a decade. Now I work in film. Still plenty of great gigs here as well as TV and Film soundtrack work.
I wish you the best where ever you decide to go.
Personally, Nashville seems like a much more interesting music scene right now with so many great guitar and singer/songwriter artists coming out of there. Or just southern US in general with Atlanta and New Orleans being close at hand there.
LA may have a huge music scene but it also has some really huge problems and difficulties that I find intolerable. No amount of success or financial gain would entice me to live there.
Go for it Mary, enjoy the experience of living and working in LA. Remind yourself- we only live once. Good Luck
I think this exact thing all the time! Even more broadly than just music, but everything, friends, job, everything!
Welcome to the Machine, its siren call is truly difficult to ignore. I do wish you the best experience as your past music is you and reflects your lovely nature. It will be interesting to see what the Machine wishes your future sound to be. Take care and stay safe.
Having spent my younger life in LA county, (San Gabriel Valley to be exact) I moved away. What I found is that opportunities are everywhere. Never forget that Willie Nelson left Nashville for Austin TX and of the best music made in the 60s, 70s & 80s was made in Muscle Shoals. Good luck wherever your journey takes you.
Best of luck Mary. I live in "The Valley" in LA now. There is a place for you here without a doubt. You already have your connections I am sure. I look forward to getting to see you play sometime.
Good luck on your move! LA can be a great place - I went to UCLA and lived in the Valley for a bit after graduating. So many great places, both within the city and relatively close by (e.g. Yosemite, diving up PCH, out to the desert, etc). I hope this means more collaborations with Reina del Cid, as I've really enjoyed your previous team-ups.
When you get here be sure to come down to Palos Verdes where I live. It's a beautiful place and a vibrant community for the arts!