UNITED STATES—Los Angeles has long been the music hub of California, and it has witnessed the rise of some of the world’s most iconic acts. Guns N’ Roses, The Beach Boys, Eagles, and Red Hot Chili Peppers all began their journeys in LA, and it’s no surprise that musicians from all over the world want to visit the city and experience the thriving scene.
There are various iconic places to visit on a musical tour of LA, and there are even opportunities to do some recording while in the area.
What Makes LA Such a Buzzing Music Scene?
The musical legacy of LA sets it apart from many other cities in the USA, and the fact that it has given birth to some of the most influential bands of all time boosts its credibility. It’s also home to some of the top recording studios on the planet, including Capitol Studios. Along with hosting classic musicians from different decades, the LA hotspot still attracts the cream of the crop today. The likes of Sam Smith, Daft Punk, and Michael Buble have all made recent albums at the studios.
There’s also the live music scene in LA that serves to attract music lovers from all over. There are countless venues dotted around the city, ranging from intimate jazz clubs to sprawling arenas. Some of the best spots to visit include the Greek Theatre and Hollywood Bowl.
What are the Iconic Places for Musicians to Visit?
You’d need at least a month in LA to get around all the top musical venues, but there are a few must-see places that should be on everyone’s lists. For instance, the Grammy Museum in downtown LA is often referred to as a musical mecca. It has various interactive exhibits, along with rare items and Grammy Award-winning recordings.
For people in search of some vintage records laid out in a classic style reminiscent of the times before the internet changed everything, Amoeba Music is a must-visit. The store on Sunset Boulevard is one of the largest independent record outlets in the world, and you can get lost in it for hours.
Visiting LA and seeing all these places might inspire some musicians to lay down some tracks of their own. Pirate Studios offers the chance to do this. Artists can rent a DJ, rehearse and record in studio at affordable hourly rates and find a place to unleash their creativity or collaborate.
Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without paying a visit to the Sunset Strip, which is home to some of the world’s most famous music venues like Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy Theatre. This area offers a great night out for music lovers.
If you’re planning on taking a musical tour around LA, it’s a wise idea to make a solid plan of action before you go. There’s so much on offer that it would be impossible to see it all at once without some planning ahead of time.