Meet Roger Drakes from London who moved to LA 12 years ago to pursue…..“life and more life”.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I came to LA in 2007 to pursue and enhance my already successful career as a music producer in Europe and to see what more was in store for my life. For more than 15 years under the name DJ Dodge I produced and remixed many artists including UK greats Beverly Knight, Omar, Gabrielle and more, I also did many remixes for US Artists like Jill Scott, D’Angelo, Eric Benet and others. During these years I also DJ’d in clubs, events and toured Europe with MTV. I was fortunate enough to DJ in over 35 different countries By 2007 I was ready for the change I’d often dreamt of, to live and work in America and LA just felt right.
I got an Extraordinary Ability Green Card due to my catalog of work and reputation, so I was off. One of the hardest decisions to make when immigrating is, how to leave behind everything you know for the unknown.
What do you miss most from home?
Leaving family at the Airport is obviously very hard, I can still see it clearly when my now late mother started crying at Heathrow Airport London life and Londonisms are unique and loveable at the same time, like service for example. In the UK generally, I feel the service is better and friendlier, I miss UK shops and the walkable shopping feel of most UK high streets, and obviously UK snack favorites like Penguins, Digestives, Ribena, Skips and Branston Pickle etc. Lucky for me there are a few great UK product outlets here including Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica and the Friar Tuck next to the Robin Hood in Sherman Oaks.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
LA probably hasn’t changed one bit, but we do. When you arrive with those wide-eyed dreams, the large city and its large streets are just wow! “I’m here“. That fades into the day-to-day routine of real life but the good news is, on your days off you’re only a few minute’s drive from the wow!! via the beaches, parks and entertainment. You soon remember why you came.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
Other than the obvious near-perfect climate, I’ve always felt that LA and other parts of the US offered more freedom to do many more things career-wise than the UK. I’m a seasoned Real Estate Broker at Sotheby’s for example and run a Pro Chauffeur business and I also do graphic design, websites, photography, drone work & Dj’ing – You’re free to do what you choose.
Do you have any hidden gems in LA that you want to share with us?
I have slowly discovered many sweet spots to eat or hang out from being here so long. For eats I love Cha Cha Chicken at the bottom of Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica. It’s Caribbean with a Latin fusion and tastes wonderful. For a proper out out meal I dig the Malibu Beach Inn for the ocean views and decent grub. The local canyon trails for hiking are great too, especially Fryman Canyon and Wildwood Canyon in Burbank.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Everyone has their own reasons for coming to LA, usually creative and artistic. I suggest do it – just do it, because you never know what will happen and LA is a place built by dream chasers. I met my wife here and we have one daughter and a son on the way, so my dreams have come true. Everything else is icing on the cake.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I’d like to tell people to be open to whatever happens, because expecting a particular result and hanging one’s happiness on it can lead to sadness. First choose to be happy and grateful then everything else is a bonus – Plus happy people attract good things.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you working on anything at the moment?
I’m always working, and appreciate any follows or DMs re: collaboration. The links are too big to list in a newspaper article but you can find me at sothebyhomes.com, or find me on Insta and Facebook @drakestatesla
