Scouting Nashville PT 2

Yesterday we talked about scouting out Nashville; making a trip to town before you move here. I mentioned I made the trip with my parents, since they had never been to Nashville and wanted to go (and help support my decision to move). What other options do you have if this is not one of them? Be creative. You are an artist, aren’t you? Have a fundraise for the trip, make and cell a cd, hold a seminar, a party, sell homemade cookies, fundraiser at church. I know a guy that works for a company that cleans and maintains ponds and lakes. He convinced his boss to open up a office in Nashville, with himself as the manager. He works out of his apartment, building the business by day, and working on his songwriting career by night.

Another friend decided to go to college in Nashville. Nashville has some great music schools, including Belmont and MTSU. As well, the are home to Vanderbilt, but that may take a little more money than a shoestring budget.

Also, some restaurants, such as TGIF’s, allow their staff to work in other stores in other cities while they are on vacation. This is a great way to get started in a new city. Get a job at a chain restaurant or businesss, then transfer to the city you want to go to.

Once I arrived in Nashville with my parents, I got to spend a couple days downtown, on Music Row. I walked up and down 16^th and 17^th avenue, I even stopped in to talk to a few publisher, got some names and numbers. I learned my way around. Nashville is not a big city, it was easy for me to feel comfortable there, and navagate where I’m going, even without a map. I was amazed at seeing all the record company offices that I had only seen on TV up until then. I sat in with a guy at the world famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and played a song on stage! I singed my name on the wall at Tootsies, (at that time they let anybody). I toured the Ryman Auditorium, the original Grand Ole Opry. I ate at the Pancake Pantry, the Sunset Grille, local favorites. I got to go to the Bluebird Café. Wow! I sat and listened, read the brochures on all the famous songwriters who played there, Garth Brooks, Melissa Ethridge, etc. I read the help wanted ads, there were a whole lot more in Nashville than in Buffalo. I got an idea of how much monthly rent would run. I had pictures, brochures. I went to the Grand Old Opry at Opryland. I walked through Opryland Hotel, realized I could work here if I needed to and make what I need for bills.