Should I Go or Should I Stay?

I read all the time about musicians moving to one of the big music centers. Some head out there with only a dream and no real experience, figuring they will just pick it up there. Others go there on the invitation of an established group or label, and even have a place to stay lined up. Just as many, though, come back a little while later with their musical tails between their legs, broke and wishing they'd just stayed home. True, some "make it" and go on to a good career, but just as many do that just by staying at home and working hard where they are. Here are some questions you might ask yourself before making any big decisions.

TAKE A VACATION

Go there just for fun. Make sure you have someone to stay with or hotel reservations, and go during a time of year that is good for that area for music. If there is a local music festival, this is a great time, especially if it features lots of local talent you can talk to. Do your research ahead of time-the Internet is great for this-and find out where all the best studios are, what are the most favored venues to play at, whether they have a local songwriter's group, are there any local labels, and mark them on your map. If you can, email, call or write to them ahead of time and set up interviews. If you are really lucky, you can find an online version of their local musician's newspaper, and see if there are any potential groups or co-writers you can meet up with while you are there. Run around and get to know the place and have some fun, but gather as much information as you can at the same time. If you are really lucky, you have pals or relatives living there already, and can just stay with them and offer to help with expenses, and save your money to maybe even try out one of those nice studios for an hour or so to see how it feels to you. Talk to local musicians, too, and gather as much data as you can on good and bad points about the place you are investigating. This can save you a ton of heartbreak later.

LIVING EXPENSES

A sad fact of life, but we do need to eat and sleep. True, some dedicated songwriters have headed to one of the three big cities or a major local center with just a spare change of clothes and a little bit of money they hope would get them by until they "got established." True, you might get into a band or songwriting situation quickly, but just how soon would you get paid? Do you have enough saved up to live off of until you can at least find a "day job" and at least know where the hostels or other free or inexpensive sleeping places are where you are headed? Many folks I know try to plan trips like this in the moderate time of year, and reserve space at a nearby campground-some even have cabins if you reserve them far enough in advance-which is legal and extremely inexpensive, unlike sleeping in your car or in a library or something, which could get you a ticket. You should bring at least enough cash to get you by until you can find a place to stay and work, and hopefully enough to cover deposits if needed on an apartment and/or utilities.

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