Taking my son to LA to see the music industry, need help please (cross-posted from CA forum)

[steve2470]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10403571

When I say the music industry, I mean like recording studios and record companies.

I know absolutely nothing about the LA music industry, so I need information and suggestions on what to do and what to see. If he could actually talk to someone in the industry for a few minutes, that would be invaluable.

He is really into music and I want him to get a, as much as possible, up close and personal look at the industry. I know the industry is also in NYC, Atlanta, Nashville, etc but I thought LA would be the best place for him to see.

We are coming to LA in the last week of June. Thank you very much for your time and help ! BTW, I decided not to move to the San Francisco area because my budget could not handle the housing prices unless I moved out to Pittsburg or thereabouts, too far from the city for me.

Steve

[nebenaube]

1. The music industry isn't here...

Well, it is but your son would learn more being with real musicians & artists then they would with the sell-outs. Check out jam base and head up the the upper midwest for the festivals.

[steve2470]

2. ok thank you nt

[Tom Ripley]

3. He should fake an addiction and attend certain 12-step meetings

Seriously, a lot of LA music industry networking is done in those circles

[JI7]

4. how old is he, what does he do and want to do ?

sings, plays instrument ? what type of music ?

[R B Garr]

6. Good questions. The House of Blues on Sunset Blvd

would be a must just for the experience. I'm not sure how much info you could gather there, but it is definitely a Hollywood landmark for the music industry, except I'm not sure if you have to be 21 to even get in the door for dinner.

http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/losangeles/

I used to casually know someone who worked in the copyright aspect of the industry, and he knew just about everybody, but I've lost contact with him. He used to hang out at The Viper Room http://viperroom.com/?page_id=1103

and I think the Chateu Marmont (among lots of other places), but those are the two places I remember that he talked about going to.

[JI7]

8. yeah, that's why i wonder about the age, the best advice i could give would be to try to

get some jobs/volunteer to play at some clubs/bars . the offical industry itself is a bit more difficult because even if he impresses someone they would still want him to conform to a certain thing so they can sell it in a certain way. so pretty much may involve a lot of selling out.

earlier post mentioned festivals and i agree with something like that. these usually have people with talent and just enjoy playing and listening to good music. it might help with some indie types . and don't limit yourself to big cities either .

89.9 kcrw is an NPR station but they play a lot of good music including from those not so well known. maybe sending them samples of his music might help .

[steve2470]

12. he is 17

He's just starting out with his plans and dreams, so I'm trying to educate and inspire him. I'm actually more motivated than he is (weird huh) but I'm Dad, so I'm happy to do it.

Thanks for the info !

[steve2470]

10. answers: 17, bass guitar and acoustic guitar, rock and hip hop

He's a typical 17 year old, just getting his ideas for his future.

[olddots]

5. came here for the music scene in 1976

apparently it left in 1876 .........

I'm sorry but it's best to not expect anything when you visit L.A. that way if anything happens it's a pleasant surprise .

[applegrove]

7. A friend of my brother's went to LA

with his band years ago. Apparently there is a market for songs for tv and movies from good bands that hadn't gotten record deals. Seems the entertainment industry didn't want to pay top dollar for their soundtracks but did want the style of song and the quality. That was 17 years ago so I'm sure the market for music has changed.

[Locut0s]

9. I'm the absolute last person to ask but...

How old his your son? Has he tried to make a living as a musician yet, assuming he's old enough. Has he already plays in a band / bands or had a record CD album made of his stuff? IMHO going to LA to do what you intend would be a cool "field trip" but the reality of making a living as a musician is usually pretty tough for most people first starting out. He should probably spend at least a couple of years living as the good old "starving musician" as that's usually the only way people end up making it, and the experience probably really pays off in the end.

Anyway just my 2 cents like I said I'm the last person to offer advice on this.

Good luck to him!

[steve2470]

11. answers:

He's 17. No he has not. He has not done the basics yet, no. I'm trying to educate and inspire him to follow his dream.

Worst case scenario, it's a fun trip for both of us. Best case scenario, he actually learns something valuable and inspires him.

Thanks !

[kwassa]

13. The music industry is not on view.

Music happens in clubs and other live venues. The industry looks for artists with followings in venues. There is no music equivalent to the Universal Studio Tour.

These days it is more dispersed than ever. Much seems to happen on the Internet.

Now, you could visit famous clubs that were once scenes, but not so much anymore, like the Whiskey or the Troubador.

and Los Angeles has many fun things to do.

but I've never heard of a music industry tour.

[steve2470]

17. thank you nt

[R B Garr]

18. This is what my copyright acquaintance did,

but I didn't know how to sum it up like you did without making it sound like he was just a bar hopper. He went out regularly to scout bands or singers all over. I just remember him talking about The Viper Room and Chateau Marmont because they are well known. I think he had a lot of business meetings at the Chateau Marmont because it's so famous and it was close to his house. He showed me a tape of some female singer that he had received and asked me if I thought she was too quirky/gimmicky, so I know he did get audition type tapes from people, so maybe you can have some contact and interest info ready to give to someone you might meet out and about in L.A. You never know who might show up. My brother used to hang out in a lot of the music spots/dive bars and he said he was surprised as to who showed up to play or hang out.

[Wait Wut]

14. I found this:

http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/my-tunes-la-music-junkie

If he's into hip hop, you might want to buy tickets to NY, though. Better hip hop scene than LA. Okay, yes, that's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it. Either way, tell him to keep it old school.

When I get home, I'll ask the husband. He's an old blues guy from SOCAL, so he might have some ideas.

Edit: Posted to my FB so my step-sons and others in CA see it. I'll let you know if anyone thinks of anything.

Sounds like a fun trip, no matter what!

[Wait Wut]

15. The Husband had some good ideas!

1. Fender Museum in Corona. He said you can take the train from LA.

2. Guitar Center LA. Said a lot of famous musicians go there.

3. Universal City Walk. Lots of clubs, live performances that he should be able to get into.

4. Venice Beach (during the day). A lot of good street performers.

5. Redondo Beach. More really good street performers.

6. Look for outdoor concerts. He said they have them all over, a lot of them free.

[steve2470]

16. thank you and your hubby very much for all the info !!!! nt