Taking my son to LA to see the music industry, need help please

[steve2470]

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

[kestrel91316]

1. Well, there's the Capitol Records building in Hollywood.

And Amoeba Records. And lots of clubs. Other than that, the music industry isn't really a "place" to go see. We have lots of musicians and sound industry people out in my neck of the woods - the west end of the San Fernando Valley - for whatever reason. Lots of private recording studios in people's homes in the better neighborhoods here.

Oh oh oh, get in touch with DUer BeHereNow - she's in the LA music industry and one of my FB friends.

Here's her profile and you can message her - I gave her a head's up about you:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=108988

[steve2470]

2. ok, I will, thanks a lot for the suggestion ! nt

[steve2470]

3. thank you also for the heads up ! nt

[customerserviceguy]

4. Never been to Southern California

But if you want a real music tourism experience, I recommend two places.

First, is the Music Experience Project at the Seattle Center, right in the shadow of the Space Needle. Paul Allen of Microsoft fame and fortune started it, and if you ever wanted to see what a billionaire's collection hobby would look like, this is it.

Also, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is worth seeing. Just try to avoid finding parking on days where the Browns are playing a home game.

[steve2470]

5. ok thank you nt

[customerserviceguy]

6. Also, here's another thing

Long before your son would experience an LA recording studio as a recording artist, he'd be paying his dues at a smaller studio out in the boondocks, where people have to start. Chances are, you can find someone near the bottom rungs of the ladder that might well be willing to invite the two of you to an actual recording session.

[steve2470]

7. yes another good idea, thanks nt

[SunSeeker]

8. For a feel for the LA music scene, check out the LA Weekly.

The LA Weekly, as the name suggests, is a weekly free newspaper that comes out on Thursdays and has ads for all the popular music spots. It also has want ads, which you might check out. Most people grab the paper version, since it is ubiquitous at every newsstand, nightclub, hipster restaurant, etc. You can also check it out online, go to the music section: http://www.laweekly.com/music/

The entertainment industry here in LA is a viper pit, whether it is music or acting. There are scammers who look for young artists to take advantage in every way possible. I hope your son keeps his eyes wide open and is not too trusting. LA is a jungle. In the words of the old Guns & Roses song, Welcome to the Jungle.

[eShirl]

10. this ^

[steve2470]

11. thank you very much for this ! nt

[GReedDiamond]

9. The future is here now, and it's not in L.A., it is anywhere...

...My recording studio is my computer.

My record company is mine...as is my own publishing company.

http://www.GreenSparkleFrog.com

The traditional form of music recording and distribution is pretty much dead.

BTW, I am a voting member of NARAS (The Grammys), so I do have some level of participation in the existing system, going back over thirty years.

[steve2470]

12. thank you ! nt

[savalez]

13. If you are at all interested in venues

you can take him to Sunset Blvd. Lot's of famous clubs there, Roxy, Rainbow, The Whisky, Viper Room, etc.

Also the marquee Guitar Center is interesting - has a bunch of handprints of famous musicians.

[steve2470]

14. good suggestion, thank you ! nt