If the first 6 weeks in LA were about settling in, the last 6 weeks have definitely been about hustle. I remember in London meeting a kiwi who was working in a senior role for MTV. He told me he spent his first 2 months meeting as many people as he could before committing to any sort of job or project. Just to get a lay of the land and find out what opportunities lay before him in his new home. He carried a black notebook and would jott down as much info as he could that would come out of meetings - names, ideas, advice. I have been applying a similar technique here in LA. You only know what you know, you never know who you might meet and when one contact will lead to the next. It is a great way to learn what is going on here and where I see myself fitting into the city.
Another meeting I had was with one of the top entertainment lawyers here, with clients such as Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande and Will i am. I had met him at TED Global conference last year. He had a corner office, 10th floor of a Century City, over looking Beverly Hills with distant views of Downtown. I was impressed by his stand up office. So LA. He invited me to an exhibition of rock and roll photos presented by reknown South African Norman Seef. He was most famous for shooting the Steve Jobs portraits, along with numerous other personalities. It was cool to hear the creative process in capturing these rocks stars in all their glory. I was able to meet a few of the other partners and learn about the legal, marketing and other aspects of their firm here in LA.
Last month I worked at a charity event in Beverly Hills. It is amazing the amount of resources on offer. It certainly pales in comparison with the jack of all trades / smell of an oily rag mentality that we have in NZ. I did a walk through the day before and was impressed with the scores of workers installing stages, shrubs, installations, all for a 3 hour event. When the gates opened we had teams of volunteers assisting from. Was a great afternoon as some guests like Rob Machado were honoured for the work they had done for children and the environment.
My flexible schedule has meant I have been able to work on my own music. Before I went away I recorded an EP with my new music project 'Black White Dynamite'. So I have been editing that up with the producer and preparing it for mastering. I recently released the first single 'Build Me Up' I have also setting up my online assets, licencing songs and getting them out on social media. It has been fun digging out some of my back catalouge of Blackbird. Although haven't spent to much time in a studio over the years then have loads of demos and live recordings. Have dusted some of them off and bringing back lots of memories of past adventures!
Blackbird - Soundcloud
Blackbird - Soundcloud
Black White Dynamite - Build Me Up
I surprisingly haven't been to as much live music as I thought I might. Living out at Venice, which has a limited music scene, it is about a 40 min drive into the venues in Hollywood. Soon there will be live music at the Santa Monica Pier just down the beach from me though. There are is live music in the weekends at local dive bar 'Hinanos'. Old timers playing 12 bar blues. I did get along to the Viper Room one night to catch up with a kiwi music manager I know. It was a Monday night so not too debaucherous as the stories of old but overall was more about networking and checking out some up and coming bands from Australia on a little mini tour of the state.
I did manage to have a fun night out clubbing at hot new spot 1Oak on Sunset. I was surprised at how little the music plays part. People tend to just dancing in groups, talking, mingling and watching each other. One of the girls we were with was friends with Calvin Harris's so next thing you know we are in the booth next to the stage. Local starlets Paris Hilton and Rosie Huntington-Whitely were there as well enjoying the attention from scores of on lookers.
I did manage to have a fun night out clubbing at hot new spot 1Oak on Sunset. I was surprised at how little the music plays part. People tend to just dancing in groups, talking, mingling and watching each other. One of the girls we were with was friends with Calvin Harris's so next thing you know we are in the booth next to the stage. Local starlets Paris Hilton and Rosie Huntington-Whitely were there as well enjoying the attention from scores of on lookers.
It appears there are always people coming through LA as well. Given it is the main route for Air NZ on the way to Europe there seem to be lots of people coming and going, already for some beach/pool action, see the sites or shopping. I have been trying to find time to catch up with people where I can. Although I have flaked on a few people too! I had a memorable Monday catching up with friend Gemma at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She was on her way home to Auckland. A couple of mohitos, some inspiring conversation around the pool in the warm California sun. There are worse ways to kick the week off.
The DMV is an interesting experience for anyone who has moved to LA. The red tape and beaucracy is something that everyone has to deal with at some time or another. The lines there are ridiculous. You take a ticket and often have to wait up to 2 hours to see an attendant. Cash not credit. Smog test required and certificate on hand. It feels like the famous episode of the Seinfeld - play by the rules or 'no soup for you!'
Overall it is a definitely a challenge setting up and settling in to a new city. Things take a lot long to achieve, eventuate, to come to fruition. It can be frustrating at times not having a routine or a clear path in front of me. Or knowing where the next pay check will come. But if it was easy everyone would be doing it. I'm taking my time, stay positive and try to enjoy each moment. Even it is a walk along the canals or a friendly smile from a stranger. It is important to grab every opportunity, to enquire about every lead and or follow up on an introduction. You never know what opportunity might be just around the corner. Its all a great adventure and one I will look back on fondly in time no doubt.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
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