How can my band find a cheap place to live and make loud music?
July 30, 2007 8:00 AM Subscribe
How can my band find a cheap place to live and make loud music?
Basically, my band (based in London) need somewhere to live and practice, and we're all on a super tight budget. I've been looking for shitty warehouses to rent on google all day, have tried that Camelot guardian site and gumtree, but mostly it's been really un-eventful and my fucking brain hurts from trying to find something that will fit our needs amidst all the industry-only and suburban terraces etc. Do any of you have an idea of where to look for this kind of thing? I much prefer speaking to people than filling in forms on the internet, but finding specific agents is like looking for a needle in a google. Any help would be appreciated, as half my band is homeless and things are getting tight. Also, if any of you have had similar experiences and can give advice, please do so. Thanks!
KW
Basically, my band (based in London) need somewhere to live and practice, and we're all on a super tight budget. I've been looking for shitty warehouses to rent on google all day, have tried that Camelot guardian site and gumtree, but mostly it's been really un-eventful and my fucking brain hurts from trying to find something that will fit our needs amidst all the industry-only and suburban terraces etc. Do any of you have an idea of where to look for this kind of thing? I much prefer speaking to people than filling in forms on the internet, but finding specific agents is like looking for a needle in a google. Any help would be appreciated, as half my band is homeless and things are getting tight. Also, if any of you have had similar experiences and can give advice, please do so. Thanks!
KW
have you considered renting a storage shed the size of a garage?
posted by spacefire at 8:23 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by spacefire at 8:23 AM on July 30, 2007
Call bars and ask them if they have an apartment on the 2nd floor they haven't been able to rent because of all the loud noises from the bar.
posted by gmarceau at 9:19 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by gmarceau at 9:19 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
The bar suggestion is a good one. Maybe you could even strike some kind of deal with the bar, and be their "house band" so to speak.
posted by Caper's Ghost at 12:26 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by Caper's Ghost at 12:26 PM on July 30, 2007
You might try asking music industry folks and letting it be known you're in the market. Other musicians, booking agents, attorneys, producers, local venues, recording engineers, among others, may know a place that fits that tolerate musicians. Too, I've found this tactic (in a more general sense, simply "networking") works on getting your name known. Seeking advice about housing may give you an excuse to introduce yourself without giving a hard sell about your music.
(Good luck living with your bandmates -- and good for you for trying.)
posted by GPF at 1:30 PM on July 30, 2007
(Good luck living with your bandmates -- and good for you for trying.)
posted by GPF at 1:30 PM on July 30, 2007
Second the public storage. When I was young, that was the thing to do for bands. Seems like every third unit had a band in it. Some of the garages were pretty elaborate with home-built stages, lofts, etc. Almost every night was a music festival. Practice for a few hours, then wander around watching everyone else practice. You weren't supposed to live in there (no shower facilities, etc.) but nobody really cared. Some guys slept there and had a gym membership for showering/shaving/etc.
Not sure if the UK has the same thing.
posted by ctmf at 1:43 PM on July 30, 2007
Not sure if the UK has the same thing.
posted by ctmf at 1:43 PM on July 30, 2007
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posted by iconomy at 8:04 AM on July 30, 2007