Behind Frenemy Lines: Thoughts On Nashville Part One

Why did we up and move to Nashville? Well, I have to be honest. It’s the most musically inspiring place that I’ve ever lived.

What?!

It really is. My creative output has never been higher. There is an energy here that I haven’t felt anywhere else I’ve been. It’s what Wall Street must be like to financial folks or what LA is to actors. For better or for worse, a lot of music is happening here, and a lot of music has happened here. I think the fact that so much of it goes down in basically a three square mile area is what really makes it unique. Whatever it is, it lights me up. You go out and you see stars, hit writers, industry heavies, and super producers all just having beers and talking about the next big thing. There is belief everywhere you go. Belief that the next record, song, or artist is gonna be a big one. Belief that what’s coming is gonna do something new, better, or different. And belief that you might just get to be part of it. Yes, you are definitely more likely to hear folks bitching about how hard and unfair Nashville is, or how soulless and fickle it can be, but that always brings up two questions in my mind; why are you here, and secondly, if you don’t live here, how much actual time have you spent here? Nobody forced anybody to come to Nashville, and flights are leaving every day. It’s too easy to be cynical and jaded, and actions always speak louder. If you live and work in the music business, or are looking for work in it, then on some level you are a believer. You fill your tank with a beautiful, delusional, faith and hope that I love being around. It’s the very same one that you find in anywhere where a bunch of boys or girls load up in van and head to the next show, or sit down to write a song for their next record they’ve been saving their pennies for. It’s the same one I’ve been running on for the past…well ever since I picked up a guitar in high school and wrote my first song. I’ve just never felt it as concentrated as I do here in Nashville.

Of course with such high output and optimism comes inevitable loads of crappy songs, crappy records, and lots and lots of wannabes. It ain’t all sunshine and roses, and there’s plenty wrong with Nashville. But I have chosen (thus far) to focus on and be inspired by the overall energy of people hustling, believing the status quo won’t do, and knowing that if you put the pen to the paper you might just be able to make something happen for yourself.

Oh, and feel free to shoot me an email with positive kudos, comments or questions.