Q&A: I really need help with this please?
Question by Gabi: I really need help with this please?
I plan on au pairing in the States next year. I’m finishing my final year of high school this year and, being 18, I want to explore as many options as I can. I’m very interested in music and would like to do something along those lines, which is why I’m au pairing in the US as there are more opportunities there. Does anyone have any useful tips on where the musical “hot spots” in America are, where people get ‘discovered’? Many people always say you should go to as many auditions as you can, but to be a singer, where do you audition and who do you audition for? Why does it seem so easy for people to audition for famous producers, because it seems to unattainable? Like, ”Oh, hi, Mr Reid. What a coincidence we ran into each other.” How do you get to be in the right place at the right time?
OK, I guess what I’m asking is, how do people become famous?
Best answer:
Answer by Mattrock
There’s a saying in New York: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice
The hot spots right now seem to be New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Austin. They have major unsigned and indie scenes, and where you find a lot of unsigned and indie acts, you’ll often find a lot of A&R reps looking to sign them. There’s no formulaic method of getting a recording contract. “Elevator auditions” tend to involve being in the right place at the right time, and it’s extremely rare that it happens.
Here’s what I would suggest. Pick a US City that seems appealing to you for several reasons (IE, the school is good, it’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, etc.). When you get there, find a band that plays the sort of music you’re into. Check Craig’s List for Musician listings, and head into music stores and coffee shops and locate their bulletin boards, because musicians often post flyers hoping to recruit someone to join their group. Audition for a few bands, find one you like, and join the group. Keep an eye out for internships in recording studios and at record labels, too. If your college has a radio station, get involved with them. Force your way into the music industry, but do it at ground level. There’s no elevator to the top… everyone has to take the stairs 🙂
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