musician considering nashville (living, under 21, cost of living)

[mckinleymorganfield]

hi i am a 17 year old musician, singer/songwriter you could say. im starting to get planning on moving out and im considering either los angeles or nashville right now. i have visited l.a. and never seen nashville. any advice or information on nashville (or l.a.) like living cost, music scene, jobs, and really anything that comes to mind would be extremely helpfull, thanks

[akm4]

I was offered a music job in LA before we moved here. Decided it wasn't for us. Then it was down to Austin or Nashville. After spending a little time in both, and writing here a bit, it was an easy decision. It's been 7 years and NO regrets.

For us, the LA traffic was an issue, as was the enormous difference in the cost of living. I find Nashville to be much more welcoming, friendly.

There's a saying the music industry- In LA, we can work together, and maybe one day become friends. In Nashville, we can become friends, and maybe one day work together. It really is a town built on relationships. Personally, I like that.

Good luck, wherever you choose.

[bnewman]

very well said, AKM4!

Nashville's

[mckinleymorganfield]

thanks alot. im looking to perform my own songs and not just sell them, is that normal in nashville or do most people just write sell and repeat?

[mckinleymorganfield]

also, will being under 21 be a problem (like getting into music venues/bars)?

[TNNative]

I have a 17 year old son, and I have a friend in the music business who is a singer/songwriter. He has been forunate enough to write big hits for both George's, and yet he still struggles to make the big time here with his own performances. I mention my 17 year old because he also has big dreams that I would never want to keep him from, but there are times when I have to remind him things don't happen overnight, and in every job there is usually "dues" to be paid. In Nashville, singer/songwriters are EVERYWHERE. And most of them are over 21...so I wish you luck..but you are about to embark on a tough journey.

[akm4]

Originally Posted by mckinleymorganfield

thanks alot. im looking to perform my own songs and not just sell them, is that normal in nashville or do most people just write sell and repeat?

"Sell" a song? Don't know what that means. You can write one, publish one, have it cut (or cut it yourself!), have it placed in film or TV, etc. Anyone that wants you to sell them your song should be considered highly questionable.

It's not uncommon for a writer/artist here to have a song cut by another artist, but even then you would perform it out. There are LOTS of writer's nights that are open to under-21s. My kids go all the time, and they're younger than you!

I would encourage you to go straight to NSAI. Your dues will be money well-spent. They can direct you to venues, workshops, co-writers, and help you navigate your way through the business end as well.

As for being 17, you may find your age works for you, not against you.

Best of luck!!

BTW, I love Muddy Waters too!

[mckinleymorganfield]

thanks everyone, and if anyone else has advice or information or anything id love to hear it.

[Diane Giam]

Originally Posted by akm4

"Sell" a song? Don't know what that means. You can write one, publish one, have it cut (or cut it yourself!), have it placed in film or TV, etc. Anyone that wants you to sell them your song should be considered highly questionable.

It's not uncommon for a writer/artist here to have a song cut by another artist, but even then you would perform it out. There are LOTS of writer's nights that are open to under-21s. My kids go all the time, and they're younger than you!

I would encourage you to go straight to NSAI. Your dues will be money well-spent. They can direct you to venues, workshops, co-writers, and help you navigate your way through the business end as well.

As for being 17, you may find your age works for you, not against you.

Best of luck!!

BTW, I love Muddy Waters too!

What about preforming at open Mike night at the Bluebird? Is that an option for this person. Many , I know have been discovered there.
You bwould know better since your in the Business, I'm not.

Diane G

[akm4]

Yeah, I mentioned writers nights. NSAI will definitely tell him about the 'bird