I've had a blast visiting Nashville, meeting friendly music people, and hearing great songs. There have been some great adventures the past few days. I played sunday afternoon at Richard's Louisiana Cafe in White's Creek before heading to a writer's night at Battle Ground Brewery in Franklin. It was a very good evening of music, with lots of songwriters sharing their work. I met June McHugh from Ash Street Music and we became fast friends, as she and her husband Tom are from Colorado! I spent time speaking with her yesterday while listening to fantastic songs in her catalog. I was particularly impressed with songs from the young Carleigh Nesbit, who I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about soon in the Americana music scene. I'm surprised how many new friends I have in Nashville now.
After leaving Ash Street Publishing, I headed over to the Bluebird to get in line for the Monday night open mic. Just before getting in line I got a phone call from June about a gig for that night. Musicians had cancelled last minute and she got the call asking for someone to fill in for the show. She was nice enough to think of her new friend, Branden, from out of town and call me up for a shot to play. So, I waited in line, got in the bluebird, and stayed for a handful of songs before I had to leave to head to my new gig at Taps & Tapas. I had Rachel Morgan Perry come out to play a set along with some new friends I ran into at the Bluebird. After what turned into a really great show at Belcourt Taps & Tapas, I headed over to Hotel Indigo West End. The host, and my new friend, Ashely Norton, was kind to let me get up to play 3 songs at the end of the writers night. All in all, a very eventful day.
I met today with a writer's representative from SESAC (performing rights organization); I'm trying to decide between ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC... the descision seems a little more confusing than it should be. Anyway - there are new programs set up to pay performers royalties for performing their own songs live at each show... potential income that I'm not getting yet.... really need to sign up! I was invited to a kick off party for Tin Pan South, a songwriter's festival here in Nashville, put on by NSAI - Nashville Songwriters Association International, where I made a few more good contacts, met some hit songwriters, and producers. Another productive day in town.
That's the update for now... headed back to Colorado in the morning. Goodnight, Nashville.
After leaving Ash Street Publishing, I headed over to the Bluebird to get in line for the Monday night open mic. Just before getting in line I got a phone call from June about a gig for that night. Musicians had cancelled last minute and she got the call asking for someone to fill in for the show. She was nice enough to think of her new friend, Branden, from out of town and call me up for a shot to play. So, I waited in line, got in the bluebird, and stayed for a handful of songs before I had to leave to head to my new gig at Taps & Tapas. I had Rachel Morgan Perry come out to play a set along with some new friends I ran into at the Bluebird. After what turned into a really great show at Belcourt Taps & Tapas, I headed over to Hotel Indigo West End. The host, and my new friend, Ashely Norton, was kind to let me get up to play 3 songs at the end of the writers night. All in all, a very eventful day.
I met today with a writer's representative from SESAC (performing rights organization); I'm trying to decide between ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC... the descision seems a little more confusing than it should be. Anyway - there are new programs set up to pay performers royalties for performing their own songs live at each show... potential income that I'm not getting yet.... really need to sign up! I was invited to a kick off party for Tin Pan South, a songwriter's festival here in Nashville, put on by NSAI - Nashville Songwriters Association International, where I made a few more good contacts, met some hit songwriters, and producers. Another productive day in town.
That's the update for now... headed back to Colorado in the morning. Goodnight, Nashville.