Memphis Vs. Nashville (Athens: apartment, rent, how much)

[HurricaneDilemma]

Oh my, I'm completely confused. I want to break into the music business (pop) but I am wanting to live in Tenessese because it's a 2 day drive from my hometown and I have sick family I need to be near. But can I live in Nashville and still break into the Pop music industry? How would I go about that? How much would rent be for a studio apartment. I know Memphis isn't safer but how bad is it really? Which would be better to live in memphis or just make the drive there? HELP!

Also Any advice on being noticed, I know I have a hit song....any recording companys I need to visit? Names I need to remember in Tenessese?

Thanks so much.

[TN-rox]

Ok, unless your planning to be ountry singer don't go to Nashville. There are good parts of Memphis there just more expensive. Now if you want a real music career than Memphis is the way to go, but if you want safe and less expensive Nashville is the way to go.

[k350]

It does not matter where you reside to break into the industry, just go through the bio's of singers and you can see for your self.

I would take living in Nashville any day of the week over memphis. You could not pay me enough to live in Memphis, I rather be poor in Nashville than rich in Memphis.

[pushkinswife]

Stay in Nashville. You can easily progress musically if you are determined and willing to think outside the box. As a Memphian I would encourage you to stay away. I have visited Nashville several times and it is far more progressive than Memphis. Stay where you are.

[williboy]

Living in Memphis could lead to a shorter life.

[CashvilletoMemphis]

nashville aint all about counrty music. i would say nashville wud b the music capitol. tennessee alone its so many producers studios schools and artist throughout the whole state. no matter which its a win win situation

[IngleDave]

I get really put out by folks who PRAY we're all about country making the statement that we're all about country to make themselves feel better about the paleness of the industry in their neck of the woods.

Our accolades in country, pop, jazz, rock, classical, bluegrass are well known among those who know, so unless you do, please keep your statements to yourself.

Now to the O.P. : You sound a bit naive to be moving to Nashville with hopes and dreams of becoming rich and famous. No matter where you go, there will be hundreds of others doing the same thing. Many will be better.

Come here, get a job, get to know people, practice your craft. Your competition is probably MUCH more intense and insane than you can imagine, so always perform and write like your life is depending on it. Otherwise, no one will notice much.

[vivelafrance]

Nashville is home to the music industry in general, not just the country music industry. Just ask Paramore, Kings of Leon, The Raconteurs, Ben Folds, Sheryl Crow etc.

[TXRyan23]

Originally Posted by IngleDave

Now to the O.P. : You sound a bit naive to be moving to Nashville with hopes and dreams of becoming rich and famous. No matter where you go, there will be hundreds of others doing the same thing. Many will be better.

OP posted that 2 years ago.

[shinestx]

I'd say overall there are more opportunities in Nashville. After all, it's called the "Third Coast" for the very fact that the industry is based there. There are so many live venues that play the full range of music, plus you have a world-class university there... and (let's face it) popular music gets no where without the teeny-boppers and/or college scene.

Now, I'm dating myself, but I remember when REM (from Athens, GA) used to play the live spots around Vanderbilt in the early 80s.