Comments on: Musician Abroad: Making it in Europe

By: Gary Gibson

Gary Gibson — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:46:54 +0000

Thank you for this primer. As I’ve developed a sense of wanderlust in the past few years, I’ve often wondered about the how-tos of this matter, as they apply to Canada, Japan, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. If anyone has experience in these other countries, I would find that helpful. Thanks again.

By: Memphis Nights

Memphis Nights — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:10:22 +0000

This does not apply if you are a rock/pop musician and you want to make money.

I’m an Australian musician who has been living in Vienna for 2 years. It is true that the attitudes and lifestyle is a great one, (the food and beer is particularly cheap), you do not get paid at venues.

People do not want to pay a door charge here. crowds are rare and venues take a large percentage of what does get paid. Ironically most of my musical satisfaction comes from the US.

With a lack of music infrastructure/scene here nobody believes that a proper income can be made so other musicians are easy to find but hard to hold on to. If you are a band or wanting to ba a band then the US is probably where it’s at. I soon may need to return to Australia where I had a better musical path.

By: Barbara Rosene

Barbara Rosene — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:26:02 +0000

The only article on the subject I have found helpful! Thanks so much.

By: tim

tim — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:13:25 +0000

Austro-pop? sounds like fun. I enjoyed reading your article and you have convinced me that at some point in my life I’m going to want to play around Europe for a while. why not.

By: andree-ann

andree-ann — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:13:20 +0000

wow I have been waiting for an article related to the european music scene for a while now and I’m so happy with this one! Great tips you got there!

By: Anne Wieben

Anne Wieben — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:33:44 +0000

Nice article James!! I would add, though, that while studying is a great way to get over here and initially get that visa (the route I took…), in order to extend your visa after your first year, you do have to prove that you not only enrolled at the University, but actually passed a few classes. If anyone out there is considering this option, be sure to check with the authorities on this!! I know here in Vienna, the rules just got a little stricter in regards to prolonging the student visa…

By: Adam Meckler

Adam Meckler — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:37:54 +0000

Nice article, James! I hope Jana and I can join you in Berlin in a few years, it would cetainly be fun!

By: Scott S.

Scott S. — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:09:08 +0000

An article well written and practical. Good work, James!