Photograph credit score: Erik McleanI simply moved from Austin, Texas to Richmond, Virginia. It was for private causes, but it surely made me assume: how may this transfer profit my music profession? So this put up will cowl why you might (or might not) need to transfer to a music metropolis. And by “music metropolis,” I imply a metropolis with a vibrant music scene. Plenty of concert events and open mics, a powerful music group, and even organizations that assist musicians indirectly.
What Are the Prime Music Cities in the USA?
In accordance with a survey of 1,320 folks accomplished in December 2022, under are the highest 20 music cities…
18. Portland, OR (tied)
18. Columbus, OH (tied)
18. Dallas, TX (tied)
17. Kansas Metropolis, KS
15. Philadelphia, PA (tied)
15. Detroit, MI (tied)
13. Seattle, WA (tied)
13. Asheville, NC (tied)
12. Washington DC
11. Boston, MA
10. San Francisco, CA
9. Denver, CO
8. Memphis, TN
7. Chicago, IL
6. Las Vegas, NV
5. Los Angeles, CA
4. Austin, TX
3. New York, NY
2. New Orleans, LA
1. Nashville, TN
And sure, I moved from one of many prime 5 music cities to a metropolis that’s not even on this listing. However Richmond nonetheless has a good music scene. And, as a result of I largely do distant manufacturing, I don’t precisely should be in a music metropolis.
So after I say “music metropolis” on this put up, I’m fascinated by one of many music cities on this listing. Nevertheless, there are many cities not on this listing which have wholesome music scenes.
When It Makes Sense To Transfer To a Music Metropolis
Listed below are the principle causes it’d make sense so that you can transfer to a music metropolis. If these causes don’t match your targets, then you might be simply superb staying the place you’re, or transferring to a metropolis not on the above listing.
If You Play Stay
That is the obvious purpose to maneuver to a music metropolis. When you stay in Nowhereville, nobody will come to your reveals. In reality, you will have bother discovering venues to e-book you.
Whereas, in a music metropolis, you could have so many locations to play and an viewers hungry for stay music. It’ll even be a lot simpler to search out different musicians to hitch you on stage.
On prime of this, it’s extra doubtless there shall be an business skilled you might need to meet sitting in attendance at one in all your reveals (if that’s one thing you need).
If You Desire a Publishing Deal
A publishing deal is if you, a songwriter, signal a contract with a publishing firm to take advantage of your songs for revenue for each events. So principally, you write songs and the publishing firm tries to get artists to file and launch these songs (except you’re additionally an artist).
A publishing firm additionally:
- Assists in getting songs positioned on TV and in films
- Collects and distributes songwriter royalties to you
- Connects you with different songwriters, typically songwriters on their roster
One of the best ways to get a publishing deal is to do an in-person co-write with a songwriter who already has a publishing deal. Then, if you find yourself writing a great tune, that songwriter’s publishing firm might take discover of you.
If You Need To Collaborate
Talking of co-writing, transferring to a music metropolis provides you extra alternatives for collaboration. This will additionally embrace beginning a band, becoming a member of musician networking teams, and co-producing songs with different artists.
Sure, you possibly can collaborate remotely. However in my expertise, in-person collabs are far more environment friendly and result in higher outcomes. There’s one thing particular about connecting with one other human in the identical room.
If You Need To Do In-Particular person Manufacturing
When you’re a songwriter or artist who desires to work with a producer in-person, or should you’re a producer who desires to work in-person with a songwriter or artist…
It’s greatest to be the place they’re.
You possibly can undoubtedly produce songs remotely (I do quite a lot of that). However the instances I’ve produced a tune with somebody in the identical room, it’s been a approach higher expertise. We get much more accomplished in so much much less time. And much like co-writing in particular person, one thing concerning the stream and vitality within the room results in higher outcomes.
I do know first-hand, transferring to a complete new metropolis is a giant deal. So hopefully, this put up has educated you on whether or not it is smart for you.