Thinking of relocating from NYC to Nashville

MiGGY · #1 06-27-2010, 12:03 AM

Hey guys,
I've been thinking of doing a spontaneous move from NYC (where I have lived my entire life) to Nashville TN to pursue music. I don't know anyone in over there and have no idea on how to find somewhere to live. I'm actually a pretty decent bass player, but I can't seem to get any quality gigs over here.. Does anyone know what would be my first step ? any advice would be appreciated.

Thank,
Miguel

scotch · #2 06-27-2010, 12:21 AM

I moved her from the Albany area about 14 years ago. Good news? Getting music work wasn't really that hard. Bad news? Record industry has gone belly up & things are about 100% more competitive for work that pays 30% less.

If you want Jazz work, Nashville has very little.

Have allergies? I never did before... Now is a different story!

It's the "Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt" here. Just fyi.

It's hot. Seriously, get ready for a steam bath of humidity for about 9 months of the year.

...All of that said, I was in exactly your position 14 years ago. Spontaneous move from NY State to Nashville, didn't know anybody, no job lined up. In less than a year, I was touring full-time with national recording acts in a variety of genres. I've been able to keep the momentum going & built a career. So, it's totally possible! Things are waaaay harder now, though. Be ready to sacrifice, work really hard, network your a$$ off & pray for luck! Learn the Nashville Numbers system & be prepared to play rock, pop, country and contemporary christian. You need to do it all to stay employed long. Oh yeah,.. actually playing bass is going to be the easiest part. Having people skills is the key- by far!

Also, nobody here uses their directional signals when they drive or consonants when they speak.

MiGGY · #3 06-27-2010, 12:26 AM

LOL this is motivating!! I'm leaning more towards the "go for it" side right now. How did you figure out where to stay ?

scotch · #4 06-27-2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiGGY

LOL this is motivating!! I'm leaning more towards the "go for it" side right now. How did you figure out where to stay ?

Well,.. bottom line- the only people that actually "do it" are the ones that "go for it"! Pretty simple, right? The only sure-fire way to "fail" is not to try. I had no "inside track" or clue what I was getting into, but it worked out for me. So, you never know!

I scouted the city out initially (vacation/scouting trip), and then used the newspaper to find an apartment. Now, of course, the internet is your ally! But, I'd suggest visiting Nashville before you blind-move here.

MiGGY · #5 06-27-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

Well,.. bottom line- the only people that actually "do it" are the ones that "go for it"! Pretty simple, right? The only sure-fire way to "fail" is not to try. I had no "inside track" or clue what I was getting into, but it worked out for me. So, you never know!

I scouted the city out initially (vacation/scouting trip), and then used the newspaper to find an apartment. Now, of course, the internet is your ally! But, I'd suggest visiting Nashville before you blind-move here.

Yea, a friend of mine that just got back from attending school over there (Belmont) said the same thing. Thank you for your motivating words, I appreciate really it!

PhiDeck · #6 06-27-2010, 12:40 AM

I lived in Nashville 1975-1978. Tennessee has some skin parasites called "chiggers", which caused me three years of misery. They left my first wife alone, though, so YMMV.

marc40a · #7 06-27-2010, 12:53 AM

Dude... from what I've heard...

Austin > Nashville

MiGGY · #8 06-27-2010, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc40a

Dude... from what I've heard...

Austin > Nashville

Really??? I've heard about ATL and LA, but not Austin... What I like about Nashville is that the cost of living of a lot cheaper.

Roy Vogt · #9 06-27-2010, 01:01 AM

Here's an article I wrote about relocating to Nashville from Bass Sessions (Mel Bay). Hope it helps:
http://archive.basssessions.com/dec07/Vogt.html
There's also some here:
http://www.eden-electronics.com/info.../roy/index.asp
Virtually all of the Music Business Articles deal with Nashville (some comparing Nashville to Dallas and Miami).
Austin has a really hip scene. A good bassist friend of mine is relocating to Austin from Nashville next month. They're both crawling with great musicians so both scenes are very, very competitive. I love Austin but I have lived in Nashville since 1980. If I didn't live here, I'd very likely live there.

Joe.shaffer · #10 06-27-2010, 01:03 AM

I'll be moving there full time (finally) later this year. I'm excited.

atheos · #11 06-27-2010, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

It's hot. Seriously, get ready for a steam bath of humidity for about 9 months of the year.

Oooo, sounds nice! Maybe I should relocate myself in Nashville too. Here on the other side of the pond we have friggin' cold for those 9 months. The rest 3 months is just normal cold, we call it "summer"

Sorry OT...

scotch · #12 06-27-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Vogt

Here's an article I wrote about relocating to Nashville from Bass Sessions (Mel Bay). Hope it helps:
http://archive.basssessions.com/dec07/Vogt.html
...

GREAT article, GREAT advice!

Richland123 · #13 06-27-2010, 08:32 AM

I really like the Nashville area and have been there many times. I have thought about relocating there and have applied for a few "regular" jobs in the area recently to test the employment market. I am not a young guy but I do have an M.B.A. and a vast amount of business experience as well as 40 years playing experience.

I have had the opportunity on a couple occasions to sit in with some bands in Nashville and gotten to speak to guys in the scene there. After I played and sang, I was offered band gigs on the spot but I did not live there and had to decline but was appreciative of the offers. What I was told is that good singing bass players who are willing to tour are in demand since the acts can get somebody to do two jobs instead of hiring a bass player and another singer.

What was already mentioned about solid, pocket bass players is so true there. Don't try to overplay and be extra flashy. Working to be tight with a drummer is crucial.

If I happen to get a job interview in Nashville, I will definitely consider moving there. One of the jobs I applied for is with Gibson Music and would be a dream job for a business oriented musician. Wish me luck.

MiGGY · #14 06-27-2010, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Vogt

Here's an article I wrote about relocating to Nashville from Bass Sessions (Mel Bay). Hope it helps:
http://archive.basssessions.com/dec07/Vogt.html
There's also some here:
http://www.eden-electronics.com/info.../roy/index.asp
Virtually all of the Music Business Articles deal with Nashville (some comparing Nashville to Dallas and Miami).
Austin has a really hip scene. A good bassist friend of mine is relocating to Austin from Nashville next month. They're both crawling with great musicians so both scenes are very, very competitive. I love Austin but I have lived in Nashville since 1980. If I didn't live here, I'd very likely live there.

Hey man GREAT article SUPER helpful!!!

J. Crawford · #15 06-27-2010, 10:59 PM

My lead singer just moved there a few months ago. Here in Pittsburgh, Ali was the next big thing. She had connections out the wazoo, family was music royalty, singing nightly and making good money.

Moved to Nashville, and she told me she works and sleeps.. No music involved whatsoever. It sucks, because shes incredible at what she does, I miss her and playing in her band all the time, but thats the risk you take.

Just remember, not everything will be greener on the other side.

BassGreaser · #16 06-27-2010, 11:17 PM

WOW I'm doing the saem thing but I'm moving out to Philly!

Roy Vogt · #17 06-28-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Crawford

My lead singer just moved there a few months ago. Here in Pittsburgh, Ali was the next big thing. She had connections out the wazoo, family was music royalty, singing nightly and making good money.

Moved to Nashville, and she told me she works and sleeps.. No music involved whatsoever. It sucks, because shes incredible at what she does, I miss her and playing in her band all the time, but thats the risk you take.

Just remember, not everything will be greener on the other side.

Sometimes it's best to stay put and develop a scene where you are. If Ali is bound and determined to get a Country or CCM deal she's in the right place. If not, it's that "5 year town" thing. She just hasn't been here long enough and been heard by enough people. You have to make the rounds of the writer's nights and open mics, put together a band and start doing all of those low pay/no pay gigs and in general network your tail off.
I do have friends who have relocated from Nashville back to home or another city and they are Kings and Queens of their scenes elsewhere. It's like trying to be an Actor in Hollywood or a Jazz musician or playwright in New York. You are dealing with an extremely deep talent pool.

mrpackerguy · #18 06-28-2010, 11:01 AM

Excellent article. I lived in Nashville '84-92, but to work as an RN at Vandy with my wife. I was lucky enough to play a few showcase-type fan fair gigs during fan fair with a budding songwriter showcasing his stuff, but never had any intentions of making music my full-time job. Friends of mine did and toured with Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band, and Danny Davis, but for them, after the 10 year plan, realization set in and both are teachers now.

Enjoyed lots of live music and loved every munute of living in Nysh-vul. I think it's a little different place than it was in the 80's - smaller for one thing and a little less metropolitan than it has become. Back then, it felt like a big small town. Hankerin to go back sometime.

BuffaloBass · #19 06-28-2010, 11:30 AM

Best luck and wishes to all pro players.... I simply have to add that when someone compliments my playing ( amatuer here), I do honor the compliment, but then quickly add "there are dudes waiting tables in Nashville, that would BLOW my chops away".

As I reckon its totally true.

I visit there annually, to a car show, not a music thing, and I have to say the folks in TN are far out!

Ed Fuqua · #20 06-28-2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Vogt

Here's an article I wrote about relocating to Nashville from Bass Sessions (Mel Bay). Hope it helps:
http://archive.basssessions.com/dec07/Vogt.html
There's also some here:
http://www.eden-electronics.com/info.../roy/index.asp
Virtually all of the Music Business Articles deal with Nashville (some comparing Nashville to Dallas and Miami).
Austin has a really hip scene. A good bassist friend of mine is relocating to Austin from Nashville next month. They're both crawling with great musicians so both scenes are very, very competitive. I love Austin but I have lived in Nashville since 1980. If I didn't live here, I'd very likely live there.

Hey Roy, have you run into a bassist named Paul Ossola yet? He moved to Nashville recently. He plays both electric and upright and we had the same teacher (Joe Solomon) when he lived here.