How to Break into the Nashville Songwriting Scene

Recently, Don Henley of the Eagles made an interesting statement. He said that he would prefer playing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry rather than play the Super Bowl. Quite a statement from a rock icon of the 70's. He went on to say that, "Certainly, country is one of the last bastions of good songwriting...Country music is now akin to what my generation was listening to in the ’60s and ’70s." Wow.

I grew up loving the Eagles and I now live in Nashville. I worked in the music industry for ten years, and yet even I found his statement about Country songwriting to be a huge validation. I know my songwriting friends will probably frame and hang Henley's quote in their living rooms.

So, for all who aspire to become a songwriter - I should actually qualify that by saying, a 'professional' songwriter (someone who sells their songs, gets recorded and makes big bucks), below are some tips for things to do when you arrive in Nashville.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Songwriting talent; either musically or lyrically!

1. When you first arrive in Nashville - unless you have a trust fund - get a job. Making your way through the songwriting community can take some time so be prepared to have a back-up plan for a source of income. It would make sense that you might want to search out a job in one of the publishing companies in Nashville, but here's a BIG TIP: don't tell anyone you want to be a songwriter (or artist for that matter). You'll need to keep this information to yourself and your friends outside of the office until you've developed strong relationships in the workplace.

2. First organization to get involved with: NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). This is a wonderful organization and they offer a number of workshops and symposiums throughout the year that give novice songwriters the opportunity to hone their craft with the best writers in the business.

3. Writers nights. There are a couple of small venues (bars/clubs if you will) that cater to songwriters (Bluebird Cafe and Douglas Corner are two). These venues offer at least one 'open night' every week for songwriters to perform their songs. These open nights are terrific the opportunities to meet other writers AND 'those in the know' are always in crowd. Publishers, songpluggers, etc...they will be there and if you're any good, you'll feel a tap on your shoulder soon enough.

4. Next organization to get involved with: ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These groups are the songwriters advocates. They collect royalties from all the entities that play music: radio stations, bars, concert halls, restaurants, etc. You can only be a member of one (and publishing companies are members as well), and they are all wonderful groups.

5. Patience is a virtue. If you are passionate about songwriting and you know you have talent - you will be heard, but it might take some time. Don't give up and seek out other writers and musicians to surround yourself with; these guys will be found in the venues like I mentioned above: Douglas Corner, Bluebird Cafe as well as the Tin Roof.

6. Work on your craft. Just like any talent songwriting takes dedication and work. Think of yourself as an athlete...practice, practice, practice.

7. Respect the craft and those who've come before you. Nashville welcomes new songwriters but it never loses respect and reverence for those guys and gals who have found success. In fact, I would dare say that while Nashville cranks out Country music artists on a daily basis, the people put on a pedestal in this town are the songwriters.

Tips & Warnings

• Here are some websites to check out: nashvillesongwriters.org, ascap.com, bmi.com, sesac.com, tinpansouth.com

[russmediagroup]

on 3/26/2009 Your article makes me homesick. I love Nashville. spemt 12 years there once, playing and writing songs Goog articleJoe

[jstuck777]

on 11/14/2008 I'm broke and eating one of my boots , I have boiled it so that it will be easy to eat,but I'm afraid my foot will freeze,I'm a songwriter. [e-mail]