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, youre
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, theres 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, theres 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 youre 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 cant find one, just ask and youll
get pointed in the right direction. Check out all of the writers
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 youre new to town and you write songs. Play me some. Thats
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. Its kind of strange when you first go out by yourself.
But, dont 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 its 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. Dont 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 writers 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 whats going on around town. You have to know the market.
You cant compete if you dont 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, whos 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 youre not ready to hear No and
Your songs need some work, youre 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 friends songs on the radio (I havent 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 theres 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. Dont 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 Ill meet you out
one night!!!
Mitch
Ballard is a staff songwriter for Cupit
Music in Nashville and has written with such writers and artists
as: Ken Mellons; Curtis Wayne- "Lovebug"; Aaron Barker-
"Baby Blue", Love Without End Amen", and "Easy
Come Easy Go"; Jerry Kilgore- "Love Lessons", "Cover
You In Kisses"; Decca recording artist Danni Leigh; and other
writers that have had cuts with George Strait, Clay Walker, Lorrie
Morgan, Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin, The Mavericks, Confederate Railroad,
Mark Chesnutt, Hank Williams Jr., Sammy Kershaw, Doug Stone, LeeAnn
Womack, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, and Tracy Lawrence.
