Hi Prof. Bonastia, Ben, and whoever else may help me answer this question:
I’ve been making a list of musicians I would like to contact for my Oral History project. While some of them may be a shot in the dark because they are signed to major record labels in which their contracts and large egos may not allow time for a mere college project, I have been wondering: how is an artist considered based in New York City? Does the artist have to have prominence in the New York music scene even if he or she has moved to Los Angeles for a record deal? Does the artist have to born and raised in the city? What if he or she got their start in performing in Austin, Texas and moved to New York for a greater audience? Does it count if the artist only played a piano in a lonely studio on the 20th floor of some building in New York City, then moved to London? There is no surefire way to enter the music industry, and some artists have proved that by jumping from music scene to music scene to achieve their fame. Therefore, I don’t think there’s just one answer to this question. But how would you consider if an artist is based in New York City?
Good question, Ruby. I don’t have precise criteria, such as: “must have played at least 7 gigs at 2 or more New York City venues to crowds of at least 50 paying customers.” By the same token, I don’t want to be so broad as to include anyone who has sung in the shower in an NYC apartment. The main thing to me is that the person has played publicly in New York City, and can offer some commentary on what is distinctive or unique about the New York music scene.
So…if a musician spent a year or more in the NYC scene then moved to L.A. to seek their fame and fortune, that is great. Perhaps ask them to compare the two scenes. No, the artist doesn’t have to be born and raised in NYC. Most musicians here probably moved from elsewhere. Why did they choose New York, rather than Portland, Boston, Austin or Minneapolis?
If she never played “out,” probably not the best candidate. I think we want to try to find out how one’s fellow musicians, and NYC audiences, influenced her. Likewise, if the musician’s home base is elsewhere, but has played gigs in NYC while on tour, probably not ideal.
Ultimately, there is no real litmus test. Just use your judgment. It doesn’t have to be someone who is prominent…just someone who can offer some insight about the New York music scene.
One more thing: for those of you who may want to focus your final paper on examining an NYC musical scene, I encourage you to conduct more than one oral history, if you are so inclined.
Hope this helps!