Move to NJ?

[roymond]

My thoughts (I've lived in NYC since 1980 interrupted by a couple years in Hobokan, Redbank & Highlands, NJ):

- the NYC music scene SUCKS if you're not a session player. NYC doesn't want original music, either. The CBGB scene of the 70s is way over, and the other "original" NY bands actually make it elsewhere before they claim to be a NY band.

- The NJ music scene is insane. People actually listen to music there. The Jersey coast was alway looking for new bands and original music got crowds. Redbank was lots of fun and an hour from NYC.

- Living at home at 21 is a problem if you're worried about "labels". Get over it. If you're an independent guy with strong motivations, the hell with people thinking this will hold you back. Everyone's different and has their own hangups.

- If you need a kick in the pants and want to make it in the music business I'd say LA. Alone. I agree with JB's thoughts here. Shaking things up at 21 can take many forms, but now is the time to make your case and walk the talk.

- There are many beautiful places, girls and sounds in NJ. There are also places that stink. Is this so unique?

- New England is beautiful and I don't know about Jim's experience, but I've known some awesome girls in VT. I always figured it was the NH guys doing all the cow tipping. Maybe he hangs out in cow fields too much

- I am considering a move to CA myself. So maybe that's another thread.

[Niveous]

Hey you can find American Idol success here in the tri-state-area. I once met Constantine Maroulis. Tried taking a pic with him but my camera was overcome by his brilliance and couldn't take the pic.

[HeuristicsInc]

Hey, M lived in Vermont a bit... er maybe that was New Hampshire. Anyway, Sober, what's your tolerance for crazy stupid traffic jams on weekends and other people pumping your gas for you? That's Jersey.
-bill

[bz£]

... other people pumping your gas for you? That's Jersey.

They still do that? I thought they'd have dropped the "our typical citizen is too stupid to handle this" law years ago. Not saying that the typical Jersey citizen is capable of tying their own shoes yet, but, you know, it's an embarassing law.

Also, I always thought the smell was something that drifted in from Delaware. Now that's a state with a fishy smell.

Don't worry too much about the band you're currently with. There are awesome musicians everywhere, and, besides, being a good musician has very little to do with being a commercially successful musician. Unless you're just looking for NYC session jobs, right?

[starfinger]

I thought they'd have dropped the "our typical citizen is too stupid to handle this" law years ago.

That's not exactly why the law came about. it was to defend mom&pop gas stations from the national chains. the idea was that forcing the chains to employ pumpers, like the other stations, would keep them from being able to undercut their prices.

or something like that.

-craig

[HeuristicsInc]

I always assumed it had something to do with reducing unemployment, like the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps).

I wouldn't mind it so much if the idiots didn't make me wait for them to get gas, and f-ing smoke cigarettes while pumping.
-bill

[jimtyrrell]

- New England is beautiful and I don't know about Jim's experience, but I've known some awesome girls in VT. I always figured it was the NH guys doing all the cow tipping. Maybe he hangs out in cow fields too much

New England is indeed beautiful, if a bit cold right now.
And yeah, I got nothing against the folks across the river.
I've never been cow tipping, either! Can you believe it? It's like living in Worcester and never going to the mall.
I have, however, gotten a square in 'cowchip bingo' before. I didn't win though.

[Hoblit]

New York & L.A. have way more competition than you may even realize at this particular moment.

Little fish, really big pond. Note that I'm not saying this to discourage you.