New York, Nashville, and LA are known as the three pillars for the music industry. They each specialize in slightly different markets and industries, and I had my guard firmly up against all of them for different reasons. My admitted presumptions: Nashville: Cutthroat and competitive. New York: Highly skilled but no money to be made. LA: Superficial. Examples of these stereotypes definitely exist, but I’ve also been very lucky to experience the beautiful, contradictory sides of each as well. I was so pleasantly surprised by Nashville’s community-based approach to music (more here), and now have also been lucky to experience a fresh, unexpected side of LA and its people.

We landed with absolutely no plans and that was a good thing, because within few hours of our arrival we found ourselves hanging with friends in Venice Beach, and by the evening we were on stage performing with several notable celebrities in the audience. I had to laugh and shake my head- it was the perfect lesson in “embracing the drriift.” More to come.

We were lucky to be welcomed into a group of artistic, relaxed but motivated, young people in Venice, where I quickly felt very at home. This particular crew was made up of clothing designers, filmmakers, set designers, musicians, and music venue owners. This city is notoriously expensive, so working as creatives in LA means they’re really  good at what they do. We are all proudly battling the “starving artist” idea, which seemed to make for an instant connection. This community seems to value quality food, good times, forward thinking, self-expression, and hustle. It was exactly the surprise I was hoping for.

The biggest surprise LA offered, though,  was the lack of superficiality, especially among the women. I found myself standing among beautiful and strong females embracing their truest bodies and celebrating an unapologetic freedom in both style and attitude. Flowing rompers, makeup-less faces, and product-free hair were the norm. Style generally seemed to stem from the festival and “glamping” scene of late, but perhaps combined with the #metoo movement has taken a very empowering and undoctored turn. (Check out Lukka the Label) They may have worked harder for this effortless look than I realized, but I found the emphasis on natural beauty to be the opposite the manicured and heavily glossed mannequins I expected. It was incredibly inspiring and a big relief. Even the guys had a laid-back, “western meets surfer” vibe that seemed honest and not too calculated.

In just a few days I found myself re-defining my idea of beauty, putting on less makeup, and feeling more comfortable in my skin. And, as it turns out, my chaotic, blonde curls fit the LA vibe. 🙂 They were the topic of several convos with strangers, which I took as a “win.”

Visit Venice if you can, and go ahead and immerse yourself in the soCal culture. I mean it- I think they’re doing something right. Roll your eyes a few times if you have to, then drink matcha tea, eat all-organic veggie burgers (try them at The Truck Stop), drop in to a yoga class, go bra-less, and let yourself experience why this particular culture is making people feel so good.

Stay loose, drriifters 💙🌏💨

Diana

LA playlist ⬇ Follow me on Spotify here.