Los Angeles Music Scene

The Los Angeles music scene is one of the most industry driven music cities on the planet. Musicians have been flocking to L.A. for decades in search of the American dream…becoming a rock star! Since the early 50’s, the LA music scene has been host to some of the most iconic musicians from around the world. With state-of-the-art recording facilities, warm sunny weather, pristine beaches and a healthy population of single women, L.A. has been THE destination for professional musicians for over a half century.

Los Angeles is also home to some of the most infamous live music venues in the world. Rock clubs and music venues like the Roxy, Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood Palladium and Greek Theater have played host to some of the world’s most elite musicians including Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Runaways and Gun’s N’ Roses just to name a few. The music scene in L.A. is rich in history to say the least.

Over the last few decades a multitude of industry resources and professional trade schools have become readily available to amateur musicians aspiring to become professional artists. These resources have assisted in the overall development and growth of the Los Angeles music scene by creating a large community of well trained, seasoned professionals with advanced knowledge and expertise in music theory and the art of recording.

The combination of local culture, music history, infamous venues and educational resources have positioned Los Angeles as arguably the most advanced and influential music city in the world. The music scene Los Angeles created has served as a roadmap for industry professionals around the world. With the continued advancement, development and support of local musicians and industry professionals, Los Angeles is poised to remain a heavy hitter in the world of music.

Music Scene in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Music Photography, Photographer and Photos

Los Angeles, CA – Music Photographer, Photography and Photos

PRESS RELEASE:
Christopher Durst is finalizing plans for his U.S. photography tour scheduled to launch November 2011 with dates extending through February 2012. Los Angeles, California has now been confirmed as a destination on the tour. Please read below for additional information…

Christopher is an internationally published music photographer that specializes in live performance photography, tour & set documentary, event coverage and high-impact media imagery. His unique and distinctive style has afforded him the opportunity to photograph some of the industry’s most recognized names including Willie Nelson, Jason Aldean, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jane’s Addiction and Social Distortion.

Session Details:
9am-1pm / 2pm-6pm
4 Hours Total
Up to 2 Site Locations
Up to 6 Looks
Imagery Type (color / b&w)
Optional Licensing (6, 12, 18 & 24)
Package Costing ($1500, $2500, $3500 & $5500)
Multiple Session Incentives
8 Total Sessions Per City

Available Services:
Hair & Make up
Wardrobe Stylist
Location Management
Production Management
Video Documentation

Scheduling:
For additional information or to schedule a shoot, please contact Christopher Durst directly at 512-626-3549 or via his website at www.christopherdurst.com.

Los Angeles – Music Photographer, Photography and Photos

Brandon Boyd by Christopher Durst

Life on the Road by Christopher Durst

The last few weeks have been crazy to say the least! I’ve had the opportunity to photograph some of the most uniquely talented artists in the industry. From Los Angeles to New York, London to Milan, I have photographed everyone from Jane’s Addiction and Social Distortion to Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, not to mention some of my personal favorites like Jason Aldean, Merle Haggard, Seasick Steve and Willie Nelson.

Living the life of a concert photographer is an absolute dream come true. The industry has its ups and downs but for the most part it’s a nonstop party 24 hours a day. There’s just something about being on the road that resonates so heavily within me. I guess it’s the freedom you feel, that nomadic mentality, it’s being in a different city and experiencing something new every single night; it’s my life…and I love it!

I’m frequently asked if I ever get burnt-out, without hesitation my answer is always and emphatically, NO! I absolutely LOVE what I do. I mean let’s get real, I get paid to travel around the world and take photos of famous musicians. What’s there to get burnt-out on?! I chose this life for a reason, because I love it.

I’ve witnessed some pretty comical things during my travels! It’s the craziest thing, everyone just loses their minds on tour. It’s like being kids all over again but with absolutely NO restrictions whatsoever (queue ‘Schools out for Summer’). I’ve seen artists highway surf on their buses, I’ve seen moms and daughters do things together that they shouldn’t…it’s as real as it gets, it’s what stories are made of, it’s how musicians metamorphose into iconic rock stars.

When I’m not traveling I spend the majority of my time in Austin, Texas where I’m surrounded by a loving circle of beautifully talented friends and family. Spending time with them inspires me and reminds me of who I am. I absolutely love and adore each and every one of them. That being said, it only takes a few days off the road before I start developing the itch to tour again.

Photography facts about me…
1. I only use Canon products
2. I developed my own proprietary software
3. I travel roughly 220 days a year
4. I specialize in concert photography & tour documentary
5. I have photographed over 50 platinum selling artists
6. I have been published 36 times in 2011
7. I work with 14 publications worldwide
8. I will document 3 different tours this summer
9. Willie Nelson is my favorite musician to photograph
10. Jim Marshall, Robert Knight and Bob Gruen are my idols

One thing I’d like to mention is the lack of comradery between photographers in our industry. I have been witness to many altercations between photogs over the years. Though the industry has become extremely competitive, it isn’t justification to be rude and obnoxious to your colleagues. My advice to anyone seeking a career in music photography is to always remain kind. Love your peers and respect the icons that helped build and shape this industry. Be humble and have integrity and you will prosper.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person that follows my work…THANK YOU, it means the world to me!

Christopher