We are living through an uncertain economic climate. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a startling financial impact, with the gross domestic product (GDP) of the U.S. experiencing its deepest decline since the depression. This has led to a rise in unemployment. Those working in industries such as the arts, music, and entertainment have been hit particularly hard, and have not always received adequate support. Between this and a fractious political landscape, many musicians are questioning whether the U.S. is the most positive atmosphere in which to be creating.
This is why more of us are looking toward the possibility of travelling abroad as musicians. While there are few adventures more exciting than experiencing a new culture, it can also be a daunting prospect. That said, the difficulties are usually offset by the enormous advantages of finding a new social and creative landscape.
So, what are some of the best practices when taking your musical career abroad? We’re going to take a look at some areas of focus that can help make your experience a little easier. With preparation and a little courage, you can find that your journey as an expat musician is an exciting and valuable one.
Employment
Employment is a topic worth exploring, as it will be key to both your entering into the country and staying there. It may be the case that you intend to make your music career the primary source of your income. In which case, our first tip is to familiarize yourself on the visa and tax issues that surround this. Some countries — such as France and Portugal — have specific freelance visas for those who will essentially be working for themselves. Others, including Germany, have artist visas aimed at those who make their living creatively.
Do your research here, as some of these have some in-depth qualifications that you need to meet. There are often income thresholds and other residency requirements to ensure you can support yourself while living in the country. Additionally, confirm the types of tax and social security contributions you’ll need to pay. Even the frequency of this can vary — you may have to file taxes quarterly rather than yearly. In the U.K., you may even have to pay your approximate tax contributions in advance. If you’re uncertain, contact your target country’s embassy to avoid costly mistakes.
However, many musicians find it more practical initially to take on regular employment and pursue their creative career part-time. Look into jobs that are in demand abroad, and that match your skills. Teaching English as a Second Language is a popular option, and once you’ve obtained the right certification salaries are competitive. For those already qualified, nursing and translation are always popular. It might not be the career you hope for, but this gives you an element of stability at the beginning of your journey.
Accommodation
One of the most challenging aspects of immigrating is arranging suitable accommodation. In many cases, you won’t have the guarantees and references that many landlords will require for long term rentals. If you’re pursuing your music career full time, there can be additional complications. Most property owners or agents require proof of employment to demonstrate that you can pay the rent. However, take heart — difficult doesn’t mean impossible.
Some strategies include:
- Use Temporary Accommodation. Many countries have agencies that specialize in providing accommodation for anywhere between 1-6 months. While this is often a little more expensive, they generally don’t require landlords references. However, they usually provide an ongoing reference which you can use when searching for a long-term property.
- Build a Nest Egg. If you can avoid it, don’t rush into moving abroad. If you’re able to build up savings for a year or so beforehand, you can present your current financial statement to potential landlords. Evidence that you have stable finances are often acceptable in place of proof of employment.
It’s also important to research the housing standards for each country, to avoid surprises or mistakes. Many expats are surprised to learn that German rental properties don’t tend to come with kitchen fittings or appliances, and many apartments in Korea don’t have ovens. You’ll also want to give your new home and studio spaces that personal touch. After all, colours can be influential on your psychological and creative outlook. So explore what is acceptable. You can usually still decorate using those colours that match your personality and enhance your space. However, you may not always be able to paint the walls; you may have to stick to soft furnishings and artwork.
Language
Unless you’re travelling to a primarily English-speaking country, language may be a challenge for you. While it’s likely you’ll find that there are English speakers almost wherever you go, it’s an important matter of respect and practicality that you make efforts to learn the native language. After all, a successful music career often relies upon communication — with promoters, label executives, and other local musicians.
The good news is that there are a variety of apps on the market that can help you along the way. For translation purposes, SayHi and iTranslate Voice both allow you to record speech and transcribe it into the desired language. However, for more long term solutions, it can be worth your while downloading teaching platforms such as Duolingo or Memrise. Taking small, regular efforts into familiarizing yourself with using the new language will help.
The good news is one of the best ways to learn a language is by immersing yourself in it. As a musician, you should seek out opportunities to get involved in the local culture. Attend shows and festivals, connect with members of the arts community. Apart from anything else, it helps to make your travelling experience a lot more fun!
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning on being a full-time musician or just playing in the evenings, moving abroad can be a valuable experience. Take time to understand the bureaucracy of your country, plan your accommodation strategy, and make the effort to learn the local language. It can be a daunting prospect, but travelling abroad is rarely anything less than enriching!
Courtesy of Indiana Lee.