I almost moved to California this month. I had an offer for a job and found a reasonable place to live. But one morning, I woke up and knew that I just couldn't go. (Of course, I didn't make this decision in the middle of a 100 degree heat wave.) California doesn't seem so bad under those conditions, but I know deep down that I can't leave Philadelphia.
As far as I am concerned, this is the best city to be in as a musician. To start, we are right between New York City and the Baltimore/DC area. This means I can take advantage of their assets without living in a neighbor full of hipsters. New York may have more bands and more venues, but what is the quality of most of them? It's far easier to get lost in the shuffle up there.
All of that aside, there are quite a few resources here. My favorite is the Fire Up Music Series (which is coordinated and sponsored by Origivation.) It's a monthly education and networking event just for musicians. It covers all of the business information none of your music teachers were ever going to tell you. Past topics have included fundraising, touring, recording, branding, and marketing. If you have ever wondered how to make the business of music happen, this is the place to be.
It crosses genres and it's a great opportunity to meet people who can help advance your music career. Of course, this isn't nerdy, dressed-in-suits networking. This is a night of hanging out with fellow artists. And unlike some of the conference panels I've been to, the speakers all have a track record of real success. That's what Fire Up has - meaningful experience and useable advice.
For the more folk oriented member of the music community, Philadelphia is home to the Philadelphia Folksong Society. They don't just put on one enormous festival each year, they also have a musicians' co-op that provides career guidance and opportunities for gigs. There is a fee associated with joining the co-op, but it is comparable to any professional society. Similarly, there is a Philly branch of Song Circle Music, formerly the New York Songwriters Circle. They host concerts and occasionally have educational panels.
It isn't just the educational resources that have other cities beat. We have some of the best radio stations in the country. Philly is also home to WXPN. Thankfully, Clear Channel hasn't bought everything yet-there are still radio stations with human DJs who might even spin a song just because they like it.
This list wouldn't be complete if I left out Origivation, but you are reading it right now. I will say that Philadelphia has everything that a musician could need. Not only does this city have resources, but they are also very accessible. It is easy to find the mentors and people who can help you. I love that I can send Suzie Brown a message asking for advice on venues to book out of town. I don't know who New York's Suzie Brown is, but I doubt I'd ever even meet her.
California might have better weather, but I can't leave this city.
