Moving to Memphis need some help. Music and Housing (Louisville: home, inspection)

[Klost]

I am planning to move to Memphis in a few months. I am a musician and would like to play around the city. First question does Memphis have a lot of opportunities for musicians? I am familiar with the blues scene and beale st. I play mostly folk/rock but am open to anything. If you could give me your personal description of what the music scene is like in Memphis.
Also I am looking for some ideas on where to live. I need cheap but in a safer area. I am a young single female. I have a dog. I do not want to live in the suburbs. I would like to live in the city. I am looking for a place that I can walk my dog and feel safe, and that if I play out somewhere that I don't have to worry too much about coming home late at night with a guitar. I would like some feedback but I want it based on facts not prejudice. Thanks

[Johnny Ryall]

Midtown Memphis. Look in areas like Cooper-Young & Vollintine-Evergreen for some decent rent. Midtown is where all the rock dives are too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midtown,_Memphis

[Snake Plissken]

Memphis doesn't have a very strong music scene but Midtown is where you would want to be.

[ColliervilleMom]

This might be a good place to connect with musicians in Memphis
Memphis Music

[Johnny Ryall]

Originally Posted by Snake Plissken

Memphis doesn't have a very strong music scene...

Memphis has a great independent music scene, one of the best in the country right now and historically, probably the BEST EVER. Also, we out perform most cities with commercial music exports too.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ryall

Memphis has a great independent music scene, one of the best in the country right now and historically, probably the BEST EVER. Also, we out perform most cities with commercial music exports too.

I disagree. As someone who follows independent music closely, I'd say we have nothing compared other major cities in the South like Nashville, Atlanta, and Louisville. It's not the worst, either, but I wouldn't say Memphis is a "hot" area for music these days.

[Johnny Ryall]

Originally Posted by Snake Plissken

I disagree. As someone who follows independent music closely, I'd say we have nothing compared other major cities in the South like Nashville, Atlanta, and Louisville. It's not the worst, either, but I wouldn't say Memphis is a "hot" area for music these days.

I'm not too current on Atlanta, but upon closer inspection I would expect to be suprised if not just because of the sheer size of their metro. Nashville & Louisville trumping Memphis independent music with something legit & street credible is laughable, no way.

[strumpeace]

My experience with the Memphis music scene is limited mostly to the P&H and the Hi-Tone, both of which are great venues that feature a mix of local and touring acts.

My uncle (a Sun guy from back in the day) owns a studio 80 miles from Memphis. Most of the acts who record at his place come from Memphis; several of them have told him that their preferred studios in Memphis are booked solid and that it's difficult to book time in those places. Thus, they end up at his place -- and now, he stays booked solid, too.

[Pearlbob]

I would suggest living in midtown if you are into music. If anything, you'd be centrally located to most venues. It's got good areas, but also has bad. You need to do some investigative work when choosing a place to live there. But, I would say it's your best bet.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by strumpeace

My uncle (a Sun guy from back in the day) owns a studio 80 miles from Memphis. Most of the acts who record at his place come from Memphis; several of them have told him that their preferred studios in Memphis are booked solid and that it's difficult to book time in those places. Thus, they end up at his place -- and now, he stays booked solid, too.

Yeah, a LOT of people record in Memphis (and Oxford--Fat Possum is huge now). I just meant there aren't many significant artists originating in Memphis lately.