I live in NYC, and I have to say that as an active musician/songwriter in the "NYC scene" that I am not particuarly happy. I'm sure there are bands that would say otherwise, but here are my thoughts for what it's worth...generally speaking:
This music venues here in NYC are MONEY driven. They prefer to book bands who can draw a crowd of 20-50 at least and expect each one person to pay $8-10 cover. Talent is not a factor. Any band off the street can book (and rebook) venues if they can bring a crowd. And the thing is, the crowds are USUALLY friends paying their loyalities. So for any new musician, this is a hard fete, considering you are new and don't know alot of people. If a venue books you thinking you'll bring in a crowd of 20 and YOU DON'T, then you won't get rebooked and are banished from the venue til new management takes over. So it's a catch-22, you can't build a fanbase without playing, but you can't play without a fanbase. It's nice to have your friends attend your shows and support you, but you really can't invite them to every show...not to mention you really want a crowd of people who like your music, not just your friendship.
Regarding "the scene" I have not figured out what the "SCENE" is if there is one. There is no commraderie amongst the bands, no buddy band situations. The shows are not lined up by music genre, they are lined up by draw. I've played an acoustic set, just to be followed by a death metal band - this is not fun for the crowd who's paid a $10 cover to hear a night of music. And this has been the case at many of the venues I've performed in.
The other thing is that this city is very expensive. I work a full-time job just to afford living here (with a roommate, in Harlem). And its tough to dedicate yourself to music and performance when you work a full-time job, the motivation is not always there. Not to mention again, as a new person, you have no resources or network contacts. It costs about $50 to rehearse for 2 hours - that can add up if you plan on practicing with a band often. Not to mention the band expects to be paid some of the time - or won't play unless there's a chance to earn something.
Another thing to consider is tranporation in this city. Most people don't have cars. I don't have a car. So I learned really quick how hard it is to coordinate a full band gig in the Lower East Side and getting the drums, amps, guitar, etc. there. A cab ride from Harlem to the Lower East Side is about $25 - so $50 both ways. Unless you want to take the subway, but not all stations have elevators, so carting your all-tube marshall amp can be tedious, heavy, and risky, especially with your beloved Les Paul strapped to your back. But if you have a car - then that helps alot, eventhough parking in this city can be awful and time-consuming.
The other thing that I've noted about this city is that most live music takes place in a basement or back room. So even if you play at a bar that is jam packed, it doesnt' mean that those people at the bar will wander downstairs or to a back room (where they sometimes collect the cover) to hear you play. Then you are stuck playing an empty room.
These are just general thoughts, and I'm no authority on the music in NYC. These are just some of the challanges I've dealt with over the last couple of years. But what IS fun about this city is that you can check Craig's List at any time and find some new opportunity (for example, submitting your music for radio play at one of the major stations - legitimately, like it was no big deal).
If you are super social person with a knack for marketing and networking, then this could be ok for you. But honestly most of the bands that I've seen succeed here have been here for years and have parental sources of income (i.e. mom & dad pay rent, buy new instruments, pay for recordings).
On a more positive note - I have to say that Richmond, VA is an up and coming music town (I used to live there prior to moving to NYC, and yes, I regret it and will probably go back). There are a lot of great bands there, new venues are popping up from small to big (google The Camel, Toad's Place) built in audiences, AND its close to OTHER major cities such as Charlottesville VA, Washington DC, Baltimore MD. It's a small city, very affordable housing, job opportunities, and its pretty (google "The Fan"). It's also a college town which is great for bands.
Having been from one extreme to the next, I'd recommend deciding what your focus on music is - is it to perform as often as possible? Is it to get a record deal? It is just to write and play for fun? Or make money? Remember that networking to online radio, college radio, e-zine reviews, publishing can do alot of exposure to earn money through downloads and licensing.
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