A Songwriter's Guide To Music City

When I moved to Nashville almost four years ago I came ready to play my music and conquer the world, but I had no idea where to start.  This state of confusion is a common problem among new songwriter arrivals so today I'd like to help ease your mind with a few helpful tips to point you in the right direction.

To start, grab a Nashville Scene and look for the songwriter nights offered at the various venues around town.  Towards the back of this weekly publication you'll find a list of all the music events going on and get a pretty good idea of when and where to go for open mic nights.

Another great resource for songwriters in Nashville is an organization called NSAI.  It stands for Nashville Songwriter's Association International and they are made up of songwriters from all genres of music, professional and amateur, who are committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting.  They strive to educate, elevate, and celebrate the songwriter acting as a unifying force within the music community.  If you're serious about songwriting, join this group!

When you're ready to hit the town and start playing regular songwriter gigs check out the following venues for more opportunities: The Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner Cafe, The Commodore Grill, Hotel Indigo, Belcourt Taps and Tapas, The French Quarter Cafe, Cafe Coco and local songwriter festivals like Tin Pan South and Nashville Songwriter Festival.

For more experienced songwriters check out The Listening Room, The Basement, Puckett's Grocery and Music City Roots.  Many of these venues require a CD for review so after you're finished paying your songwriter dues it's time to record an album and move on to the next step.

There are so many opportunities to play you just have to be persistent and professional to keep the momentum going with your music.  Get on the waiting lists, keep writing and just wait for your first cut.

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Songwriter Journal, Writer's Block Eye Mask

Guitar Tin, Large Journal Bandolier

Record Player Journal, Vintage Tambourine

Vinyl Earrings, Boom Box Coffee Mug

Rose Guitar Strap, Music Cufflinks

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