Nashville Ear Blog

It's fantastic that you have a passion for music and are interested in pursuing a career in songwriting and performing. Nashville is indeed a hub for aspiring musicians and songwriters, and there's a wealth of knowledge and experience to tap into. Here are some pieces of advice from music industry experts that might help you on your journey:

Network and Collaborate:

Building relationships within the music community is crucial. Attend local events, open mic nights, and industry mixers to meet fellow musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals.
Consider co-writing with other songwriters. Nashville is known for its collaborative songwriting culture, and working with others can bring fresh perspectives to your music.
Attend Workshops and Songwriting Sessions:

Take advantage of workshops and songwriting sessions offered in Nashville. Many experienced songwriters and industry professionals host events to share their insights and provide guidance. These can be invaluable for honing your skills.
Utilize Online Platforms:

In addition to local networking, leverage online platforms to connect with musicians and songwriters globally. Websites like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and social media platforms can help you reach a wider audience and connect with potential collaborators.
Develop Your Unique Style:

While it's great to be inspired by successful artists, focus on developing your unique style and voice. Authenticity is key in the music industry, and it will set you apart from the crowd.
Take Advantage of Open Mic Nights:

Open mic nights provide a platform for you to showcase your talent and receive feedback. Use these opportunities to gauge audience reactions, refine your performance skills, and make connections with venue owners or talent scouts who may be present.
Invest in Your Craft:

Continuous improvement is vital. Invest time in improving your songwriting skills, vocal abilities, and instrument proficiency. Consider taking lessons or attending workshops to enhance your musical abilities.
Understand the Business Side:

Learn about the business aspects of the music industry, such as contracts, royalties, and marketing. Understanding the business side of things will empower you to make informed decisions and protect your interests.
Persistence and Resilience:

The music industry can be challenging, and success often comes with persistence and resilience. Be prepared for setbacks, and view them as opportunities for growth. Keep refining your craft and pushing forward.
Create a Strong Online Presence:

Build a professional and engaging online presence through a website and social media. Share your music, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience. A strong online presence can attract industry attention and fan support.
Seek Professional Guidance:

Consider seeking advice from music industry professionals, such as managers, producers, and experienced songwriters. Their insights can provide valuable guidance on your career path.
Remember, success in the music industry often involves a combination of talent, hard work, and strategic networking. Stay true to your passion, be open to learning, and enjoy the creative process. Best of luck on your musical journey!

List of Nashville Ear Blog Post

A little about Waylon Jennings

It would be less dignified of me ever to skirt the issue of Waylon Jennings,.
Waylon did not pussy foot around like someone who didn't think he was a blessed boy,.

David Isaacs

Chops vs technique

When you think about “technique” or technical playing, you probably think of what musicians call “chops”. It’s a general term but it’s almost always used to refer to difficult or physically challenging music.

 Marc Alan Barnette

"Paying to play"

I have seen a few posts on Facebook and other places that ask "Why do people in Nashville all play for free? Don't they know that you should get paid for what you do?"
The answer is a bit complicated, but for those of you who have wondered that, here it is:

Chris Gantry

Songwriting Inspiration

The gift of music only calls you to do your best, be honest, inspiring, and available to help others in their quest..

 Marc Alan Barnette

Relations to songs.

Billy Lee and Stephen Clark,
I'll tell you something interesting that relates to this. You both reference my song "TABLES AND CHAIRS." That song has been pretty good to me, a lot of people identify me with it, and request it often.

Marc Alan Barnette

Being paid to be "YOU"

There is something interesting I see and hear a lot on Social networking, especially places like Facebook. and YOU TUBE. It is the endless amount of people that put camera phone videos of themselves doing COVER songs.

 Marc Alan Barnette

Someone stole my song

Okay, this is one of my pet peeves, especially among NEW songwriters! Everybody who writes five songs and then are SURE SOMEONE IS GOING TO STEAL THEIR SONG CALLED “I LOVE YOU BABY!” Because it has NEVER BEEN WRITTEN BEFORE! And go off on the copyright world,(“oh my GOD!

Chris Gantry

The rainbow room (by Chris Gantry)

NASHVILLE IN 1963-64 PLAYING GUITAR AND SINGING AT SKULL SCHULMAN’S RAINBOW ROOM WAS LIKE BEING PRIVY TO THE COUNTRY VERSION OF THE HEEHAW GAMBINO FAMILY;

Chris Gantry

Where do songs come from?

I'm a "Song Comber".
As beachcomber's comb the beaches for beach junk, I Song Comb the Astral Plane for songs.

Chris Gantry

Guitars

Guitars, or any other instrument for that matter just don't bulldog their way into our lives; Musical instruments are the "PLAY HARD TO GET BABIES", of all time,..they defy being tamed,.they are obstinate, unwilling, unbending, and initially cold barren objects until they sense their practitioner

Songwriter Showcase

"I hear the crowd, I look around, and I can't find one empty chair. Not bad for a girl going nowhere" sings Ashley McBryde on "Girl Goin' Nowhere," the seminal title track from her forthcoming LP. They're words built from experience: over the course of her life, McBryde's been finding her own way to fill those seats and sway those hearts since the very first time her teacher told her that her dreams of writing songs in Nashville would never see the light of day. Every time she was brought down, she persevered; trusting her timeless tone and keen, unwavering eye for the truth. It paid off.

Voted as one of the top three singer/songwriters in Nashville 4 years running in the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Nashville Scene "Best Of Nashville" readers poll, Doc Holladay has become one of the most in-demand talents around, while also managing to work as a full time Optometrist.

My first paying gig was when I was 15. Sitting outside of a pawn shop, on a stool playing a guitar. Drawing people inside, back in 1967. I got 5 bucks an hour, a pack of Winston cigaretts, and could play any of the guitars he had in the shop. It was an after school gig, a couple hours every day for quite awhile. I was 17 when I started my 1st band. Didn't have drummer, I did have a lead guitar, a bass, a girl singer, and myself singing and playing guitar, and a guy that "Rattled Elk Ribs, and other Bones" for a beat. Different but real cool back then.