How to get a
running start in Nashville
by Mitch Ballard
One
of the most common questions I get from new writers is how
to get started in Nashville. At least once a day, I receive
either an e-mail from our web site, or a phone call from a
writer planning to move to town.
Finding a place to start in Nashville can be confusing.
First of all, you’re in probably the most intimidating town
in the world for songwriters. No other place has as many
songwriters and places so much emphasis on the song. Second,
there’s no guide they give you when you move to town that
says: ‘First do this, then do this, etc…’. A step by step
guide to making it in the music business is not available on
the newsstands here in Music City U.S.A. Plus, there’s no
real ONE single way to make it in the business. However,
there are some very common denominators.
When you get here (whether you are just visiting, or if
you’re moving here, it all applies) get the local paper (The
Tennessean) or a copy of The Nashville Scene weekly paper.
You can find a Scene practically everywhere in this town. If
you can’t find one, just ask and you’ll get pointed in the
right direction. Check out all of the writer’s nights, and
other performances taking place. There is enough music in
this town to keep you busy seven nights a week. Which, by
the way, brings me to my next point. You have to get out at
least four or five nights a week. No one comes knocking on
your door and says ‘I hear you’re new to town and you write
songs. Play me some.’ That’s not going to happen. One of the
most important principles of this business is networking.
You will find that doors open a lot faster, and you make the
right connections by going to every possible music function.
Make sure you know who the names of the successful writers.
They play live all the time in town. You will find that more
established industry people will be attending these shows.
I
moved to town September 2, 1992 and did not know one single
person in Nashville. It’s kind of strange when you first go
out by yourself. But, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself
to anyone. You never know who you might meet. I got to know
people like Wade Hayes, Bryan White, Danni Leigh, David
Kersh, and was at least introduced to most every new artist
currently on the radio. However, one of the most important
was meeting Jerry Cupit 5 years ago. Jerry and I became very
good friends and started hanging out together and writing
together. A year and a half ago, he asked me to work for
him. You never know where a new relationship will lead. I
have a certain circle of my ‘best’ friends here in town. It
started out as a couple of us, and it’s now about a dozen.
When we all started hanging out together, none of us had
anything going on in the business. Since then, out of the
dozen, 5 have gotten songs cut, one got a record deal, and
another is directing music videos for major label artists.
Get involved with some organizations. The Nashville
Songwriters Association International is a great place to
start. Not only do they have services for writers (tape copy
rooms, guitar/vocal demo rooms, music book library, and
more), they also have workshops, critique sessions, and song
camps. You can get advice straight from successful writers
through NSAI.
Find time to write every single day. Don’t expect to come to
town with 15 songs under your belt and get taken very
seriously. Hone your craft by writing every day, listening
to suggestions from workshops, and apply principles learned
from other writers and industry professionals.
Visit ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. All three are performance
rights organizations that have writer’s relations
departments. They will listen to songs, point you in the
right direction, and make career suggestions. In some cases,
if they think your songs are really good, they will
personally make phone calls to publishers and set up
meetings for you or tell the publisher that you will be
calling them for an appointment. Big doors can be opened by
these groups, if your songs are ready. Song workshops and
seminars are also offered through these organizations as
well.
Read every industry magazine (NSAI has them in their
library) and keep up with what’s going on around town. You
have to know the market. You can’t compete if you don’t know
the game. Know all of the artists, all of the songwriters,
all of the record labels, all of the producers, and all of
the publishing company names. Music Row magazine puts out
special editions once a year. These special editions include
a publishers special, who’s in charge issue, and studio
issue. Read every one.
Finding the right road to take is not an easy process.
However, if you follow these basic guidelines, you will find
it a lot easier to get things done. It can be a (actually it
IS) a very frustrating business. Be ready to hear ‘No’ a
lot. If you’re not ready to hear ‘No’ and ‘Your songs need
some work’, you’re not ready to be here. You will get as
much out of this business as you put in. It sometimes takes
several years to get the ball rolling. But, one of the best
feelings is to hear one of your friend’s songs on the radio
(I haven’t had one cut yet) or see them on T.V. and seeing
first hand where determination and perseverance can take
you. I mentioned my circle of friends earlier. We have seen
some great things happen. And there’s more to come. But, we
have also seen a few move back home. Be prepared when you
get here. Be ready to go out almost every night, write
songs, and find time to work as well. Yes, WORK. Don’t
expect to come to town and make it in six months. Get a job,
get settled down, and be ready for the long haul. Who knows,
maybe I’ll meet you out one night!!! |
