Singing in Los Angeles: Re-visiting a Trip to an Iconic City
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Los Angeles has long been the beating heart of music and entertainment, a city where artistry thrives on every street corner. So when I was given the opportunity to spend two weeks immersed in its creative pulse to join a two week study tour with my peers at The JMC Academy (located here in Sydney), I leapt at the chance. From workshops at the Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) to live performances and even a visit to Disneyland, the experience reshaped how I see myself as an artist and reignited my passion for the craft.
Life as a Singer/Songwriter in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is an incredibly creative hub where musicians thrive off collaboration and co-writing. During our time at LACM, we were fortunate enough to work alongside other students to refine our musical projects. We also had access to industry professionals, like Erin Workmen, who guided us on the importance of collaboration.
Yet, with this abundance of opportunity comes the challenge of standing out. The fast-paced industry often sees artists and producers juggling multiple projects. A songwriter may perform their own compositions while also collaborating with others to expand their repertoire.
East West Studios and the Vintage Synthesizer Museum were two of the most creative locations we discovered. They highlighted how deeply music is embedded in the culture of LA, showcasing everything from Frank Sinatra's historic recordings to antique synthesizers that shaped the sound of coming generations.
The Role of Performance in Artist Development
Performance plays a critical role in an artist's development and creative process. This is especially true if you are a versatile performer. It goes beyond mere stage presence; it extends into songwriting and production. At LACM, we learned that artists are often expected to be multitaskers who utilize Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to make their mark.
The A&R panel we attended provided valuable feedback that felt constructive rather than discouraging. Here, community and networking became even more vital despite the competitive landscape. LA’s dynamic atmosphere offers an endless stream of inspiration, allowing us to feel immersed in a creative space.
Musicians here live their craft; it becomes a lifestyle rather than just a job. The competition may be steeper, but the opportunities and resources available are also more plentiful. Though navigating this high-expectation environment can feel overwhelming and pressure-filled, it is also enriching and rewarding.
Cultural Identity in the Music Industry & Marketplace
My observations revealed that LA heavily leans into a trend-driven and genre-blending cycle, often fusing pop with R&B and hip-hop. The emphasis is on maintaining commercial quality and crafting songs that are sync-ready for film and TV. Catchy top lines and high production quality are essential in making a mark in this fast-paced industry.
In contrast, the Australian music scene tends to embrace more organic and authentic sounds, focusing on Indie and alternative styles that evolve slowly. The DIY environment allows artists to write, produce, and promote their music independently. While this is easier to navigate in a smaller industry, it comes with the downside of having fewer industry professionals or avenues to elevate a small artist to the next level.
Technology, Copyright & Music Terminology
During our workshops, we primarily utilized industry-standard DAWs like Ableton, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools. These sessions emphasized crucial digital production skills such as MIDI programming and toplining over tracks. I found these skills particularly beneficial as I have always been interested in learning how to produce my own music.
Copyright laws significantly differ from country to country. In LA, royalties and splits are registered through performing rights organizations like BMI or ASCAP, whereas in Australia, we operate under APRA AMCOS. This distinction is crucial for any artist looking to navigate international waters in their music career.
Terminology varied across production and songwriting sessions, but key takeaways included terms like top-lining, sync-ready, bounce stems, and marketable tone. These terms were frequently discussed in the A&R panel and accounted for in our production workshops, highlighting the necessity of understanding these concepts in a fast-paced industry.
Collaboration & Teamwork in the Creative Process
I formed connections quickly with my group, which facilitated a strong sense of creative trust and open communication. I learned to appreciate the strengths of my peers, especially new techniques for lyric writing. There were moments when I had to relinquish control and let go of overthinking the final product, which allowed our collective ideas to flow more naturally.
I contributed to writing the melody and singing for our final performance, and my confidence grew immensely as I accepted my capabilities. Sharing ownership with my group resulted in a fulfilling final product that reflected the strengths of all team members. It was a gratifying experience that helped alleviate my self-doubt, transforming it into a collaborative success story.
Lessons Learned from the Music Industry
This study tour broadened my understanding of the music industry as a whole. By combining hands-on experience with professionals, exposure to industry-standard tools, and insights into technology and collaboration, I saw how all these elements are interconnected in the creative process.
Collaboration is essential, and valuing others fosters loyalty within the industry while maintaining professionalism. These elements not only contribute to creating a successful music career but also to the awareness of the business side of being an artist. I credit this trip as crucial in reigniting my confidence, respect, and love for my craft.
In summary, my experience during the study tour in Los Angeles offered invaluable insights into the intricacies of the music industry and what it means to be an artist today. Through the art of collaboration, a grasp of emerging technologies, and an understanding of cultural identities, I feel more equipped to navigate my journey in music while embracing the transformative power of creativity.
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