I can't tell if I hate Nashville, musicians, my generation, or just people

We're gonna need some popcorn

 

Maybe it's not Nashville, musicians, or your generation?

 

There is a lot about the music world that you can probably learn from them. For example, if the songwriter accepted your change, he'd probably have to legally give you credit as an arranger at least, something most are not willing to do, especially in a music town like Nashville.

As for making it in such a competitive environment, it's more about who you know than anything else. I think places like Nashville and most every major music city make it difficult to break into their circles. It's about ego, posers and status. But it is also about being good at what you do, persistence and attitude. Try to do studio work. Get a network of musicians going.

IMO, to really make it, you need to be a good writer. Get your songs heard and played then other musicians people will want to work with you.

The culture of professional musicians is kind of strange to me. I remember seeing an act in Nashville where the main singer came on after her band played half of the set without her. Then she comes out, sings a few song and off she goes. No encore. No rapport with the audience, something I was just not used to seeing.

Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck.

 

I live in LA, another over saturated market for musicians.

You'd think that it is a meritocracy (I know big word but it means the best get the best based on their merit). They are terrible bands that enjoy popular moments because EGO is going their way. "Direction" has closed down Hollywood tonight because of Jimmy Kimmel's Show. They are the current thang, like those Sex On Fire guys a couple years back. It's luck, and being prepared, having the insight to see that this might work, and commitment to the music.

Now Flakes extends beyond musicians, it's just we makes dates that we can't keep. Something comes up, or you are just plain afraid or not interested in showing up...too late to call off, just ignore your phone for a while. I show up prepared, but have flaked on jams and such, even as recently as this month . Just not enough to there, there to make it happen.

Most bands aren't looking to the rhythm section for ideas about new songs. We do better enhancing their primitive ideas than actually writing, IMO.

Nah, kid, you're right where you should be, seeing the world as it exists, uncomfortably close to reality. I saw it the same way when I was your age living in Vegas.

Keep your head in the game. It takes smart moves to move up, and luck. Be on time, ready to go, not too strongly opinionated, just more than competent on your axe with an eye on the prize. Attach your wagon to a rising star and help out, play your parts, sing your harmonies and remeber to smile on stage.

 

It was her touring band. I can't even remember her name now but she was hell bent on making it in Nashville but never did. She was a Yankee though so that might have played into it as well.

 

I just moved out of Nashvegas, moved out west after 18 years there. Nashville projects the image of being "Music City USA" but it's just that, an image in advertisements and tourist brochures. The scene there can suck the life out of people. Few venues to play, plenty of dishonest people, and the egos and flakes. Talented musicians can't get a break but mediocre artists with connections get fast-tracked (if they are young and good-looking). Real shame.

(I'm an old fart, wasn't trying to "make it" in country music, so no that's not why I left the town)

 

Yeah, lots of popcorn!

 

It does seem clear where the issue lies...

 

Meh! There are mediocre to bad musicians everywhere. I will say, the competition is fierce in NYC. Many bands that gig in other parts of the country would never get a gig in NYC.

 

uh oh, we are going to have to go out for more popcorn.

 

probably just people.

 

Welcome to the biz.......you picked the most plastic-fantastic town of flakes and fortune hunters in North America, what did you expect ?

 

Nashville is a whole different world. I've only visited, but have a friend that's a working musician there- and just what I've seen & heard through him, it's not for the faint of heart.

 

I've found that I can't control others; I can only manage myself.

 

To me the emblem of Nashville phoniness is the television program Nashville Roots, which is just "the biz" trying to glom onto the Americana movement, just like they did with bluegrass when the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou" made such a splash (even though the music in that film is NOT bluegrass).

"You try to put Nashville in a nutshell,
It's a hard sell town where the dollar is the king."

Steven Fromholz, "Late Night Neon Shadows"

 

As a fellow Nashvillian I feel your pain! I am not surprised you had the issue you mentioned with the guitar player. Sounds par for the course with me. I will say that I don't think you have found very professional people. It's like LA, there are reams of douchebags and flakes but there are ALSO people who care, who are serious, and who will collaborate. Now, your post is all about songwriting and songwriter issues which is the most ego charged part of this business. Probably because its the only way to make any money whatsoever. I am curious as to what your experience as a bass player has been like. I came here when I was 28 and found that I didn't know any country songs! Life (having three kids) has slowed me down as far as professional aspirations but I have managed to develop a relationship with a few people who use me for sessions which I enjoy and I play out with some folks I actually like. But the songwriting thing is dog eat dog.

 

I used to hit Douglas Corner Cafe every now and then. They'd have a Friday night jam at 7, and then Pat McLaughlin at 10. Two very different crowds (younger at the jam, older at Pat's show) united by the need to back-slap, air-kiss, etc. Made me think "the industry" in Nashville was just one huge schmooze-fest. I've seen nothing since to change my opinion.

 

If this isn't some trolling...MJ Popcorn GIF, Hunter S quote on the music industry, and my own snide and cynical comment about idealism. Next thread. Ok, ok, here's my best stab at a snotty quip:

"The Music Industry" is all about money and power, not making beautiful music, especially in Nashville, NY, and LA. Living in Nashville, it's like you've brought a hacky-sack to a rugby match are are wondering why you're getting the crap kicked out of you.

I've done better, but you get my point. It's easier to find like minded artistic folks where there isn't a carrot of fame being dangled, luring all the raging hungry jackasses. And I can empathize with your comment all too well. I lived in LA, actually had a decent gig for a while, but only stayed a year as being a phony wasn't for me nor was the quality of life or long term prospects. Spent decades in big east coast cities, better, but still scenes that had a lot of BS, and very, very few folks ever made it, fewer lasted. I live in the country now and play gigs with good folks who are good players and like it a whole lot more, though there is no chance of hittin it big here, and you have to work your tail off to get by...so pick your battles I guess.