Nashville

[Bara CoCain]

Quint, although I disagree with the way you portrayed your opinions in this thread, I have to agree with you here. I never had much respect for those who make their living singing songwriter's songs....
But I do respect the songwriters, after all they are obviously talented individuals. Unfortunately the same can't be said for most of those using their services....

Originally Posted by Quint

While I agree with the first half of your first paragraph, I disagree with the remainder of your post. The only exception I would make to my feelings, that songwriting and performance should be from the same person, would be in the case of Marvin Gaye and other "old" artists. This is primarily due to the fact that that is just how it was done and back then it was either do it their (record company) way or the highway. These days, I just feel like there are more avenues for people where that sort of ultimatum isn't necessary. I'm sorry, but these days, anything less than someone who does both write and perform their own music, is a less than genuine article to me and not up my standards of acceptability when it comes to my liking or disliking a song/artist. I understand that some people can't write a song but can sing, and vice versa. So what? I'd like to fly jets on aircraft carriers but I can't because while I might have some of the skills needed (education, aptitude), I don't have ALL (my vision is poor) of the skills that are needed. So I chose a different career. I think the music community would be better served by a smaller number of better artists that can truly do it all rather than a larger, watered down group of artists that need "crutches" for the various sagging aspects of their talent.

[MrDigitaL]

Want to get calypso cafe or baja burrito to cater it?

[roscoenyc]

I like the hell out of Bongo Java.

[Audio Hombre]

actually as far as my comment in respect to the homogenized sound of nashville, i was indeed referring to nouveau country which is more pop than anything now, so i should point that out. honestly, ask anyone across the country what they think of in way of music when someone mentions nashville, and the rock, emo what have you doesn't come to mind to most people i bet. but i fully admit that i'm pretty ignorant about nashville and you can thank the music industry for that.

yawn all you want jonkenn, but asshole perfect tweaked countrypop music does get pretty mundane after awhile, so yawning right back atcha.

btw, i wouldn't lump you into that group. i think you're pretty darn good.

[Bryan Talbot]

Originally Posted by Quint

You might call it "narrow minded" but I call it "highly selective".

There you have it, folks.

Quint, come to my place and visit some time.

I am a Nashville native, and reserve the right to bitch.

I am very happy to see all the positive opinions of my hometown. Let me tell you, it was damned aggravating growing up under the dominance of the country music industry, having my mind blown by Weather Report, Return to Forever, Billy Cobham, Rundgren, Zappa, etc.

So I'm glad y'all like it. Things are much more balanced now, compared to the 60's, 70's and 80's. Hell, we've got Costello and Fripp almost as part-time residents. And, the NHL and NFL. Who'd a' thunk it???

Go Nashville.

[crypticglobe]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

BTW - I'd love to come to the Nashville get together Steve, but are you going to provide security so Quint doesn't shoot me?

Shoot man... you know how these internet forum things are. In person... you guys would show up... buy each other a beer... laugh about this whole thing...and be best friends before the night is over.... it's just something here in the air in Berry Hill, ya know? :)

[trakk]

Hey Steve, if you decide to make it a cookout instead of catering, I can grill some shrimp diablos and smoke some ribs...

[river]

And I just learned how to make a mean batch of Colorado style green chili...say the word!

[Watersound]

Awe man, I hope the get together is during GMA week, that's when I'll be around...I would love to meet some new people in music city!!

Peace,

John

[crypticglobe]

Ok... this is what I propose:

I will look at my calender and make a date that works with me and the new studio tennant I am about to have (another cool Nashville guy named Jason Wall).

I will then post said date. I will provide the place (here at CGR), and probably a few staples (chips, water, etc). I will also provide a big tent (in case it rains), tables, chairs, etc., etc., etc.,

I will then ask for people to volunteer to bring the following:

Grills
Food to Grill
Additional Food/Snacks
Beverages
Themselves


Or... if any of the local music oriented business or affluent individuals want to sponser the event... we will put up your banner or something... :) I would love to provide all the stuff myself.. but it's a little beyond my cash flow honestly... and I think it will be more fun if it is kinda "tailgate party" style!

If this sounds good to everyone... I will talk to Jason and pick a date... most likely a Saturday in early June. I probably won't do it during NAMM because there will be so much going on then, and this will be mainly a hang for people that actually live here. :)

Just give me thumbs up... and I am off to set it up... :)

Rock on...

[Haddox]

I listen to country music on Sirius sattelite radio and I believe "outlaw country" and "roadhouse country" are great. James McMurtry, Joe Ely,
Robbie Fulks. Pretty cool stuff. No molds except their sound around their songs. As a songwriter, I've spent a lot of time trying to make commerical sounding demos cause that's what the NSAI among others recommend.
I'm still trying to get away from it a bit and find my own way.

I think where the newer stuff leaves me a little flat, is that the production, has been and still is, very much designed to frame the song. Nashville has always been about the song and I don't think I've heard a GREAT song from mainstream country in a while. Musicians score lyrics like a film composer scores a film. It's admirable, just not always appealing. Granted, I'm not listening that much but figure, Halfway to Hazzard's my favorite new "country" band, I saw them live and they blew me away. Quite the contrast to what I used to call country.

I think the world of Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson. Songwriters that can really play and sing. or Musicians that can really write. either way.

I know a guy named Fred who burned out in Nashville. You guys probably know him. Nice guy. Talks about a book called "The Long Tale". It's about what's in the top 10 and what that leaves for the rest of us.

[shanabit]

Nashville is just like the rest of the towns. If someone feels they can make a buck off you then they are friendly, if not then they are short but in a NICE way( Smile). And for gods sake DONT EVER POPIN on someone , its taboo. Gotta have an appointment

If you want friends, make yourself friendly. Just dont think that the people are your friends if they smile and say how yall doing. Its all about business with a smile

Me , I dont care anymore and Ive made several trips to Nashvegas with NO hidden agenda. Just wanted to meet people. if you aint buying, they aint interested.

[mwagener]

Originally Posted by crypticglobe

Ok... this is what I propose:

I will look at my calender and make a date that works with me and the new studio tennant I am about to have (another cool Nashville guy named Jason Wall).

I will then post said date. I will provide the place (here at CGR), and probably a few staples (chips, water, etc). I will also provide a big tent (in case it rains), tables, chairs, etc., etc., etc.,

I will then ask for people to volunteer to bring the following:

Grills
Food to Grill
Additional Food/Snacks
Beverages
Themselves


Or... if any of the local music oriented business or affluent individuals want to sponser the event... we will put up your banner or something... :) I would love to provide all the stuff myself.. but it's a little beyond my cash flow honestly... and I think it will be more fun if it is kinda "tailgate party" style!

If this sounds good to everyone... I will talk to Jason and pick a date... most likely a Saturday in early June. I probably won't do it during NAMM because there will be so much going on then, and this will be mainly a hang for people that actually live here. :)

Just give me thumbs up... and I am off to set it up... :)

Rock on...

Wow, I was thinking about getting together for a pizza somewhere

Anyway, this will be super cool. Just a little reminder that on June21st we have the NAMM party at WireWorld, maybe we could do this one even earlier than June, schedule permitting ? Man, I'm getting hungry NOW!

[Podgorny]

Count me in.

[johnmarkpainter]

Count me in for social activities. Always good to meet people outside of your usual circle.

RE: Artists that 'don't have it all'

I have NO RESPECT for artists that can't produce/record/mix and master their own records! If they have to rely on the 'crutch' of mercenary studio wizards to make their records sound good then they have no business recording in the first place!

They should also do their own photography/artwork and build their own website.

BTW....that was sarcasm. Though I do have a special appreciation for self-recorded artists....

[crypticglobe]

Originally Posted by mwagener

Wow, I was thinking about getting together for a pizza somewhere

Anyway, this will be super cool. Just a little reminder that on June21st we have the NAMM party at WireWorld, maybe we could do this one even earlier than June, schedule permitting ? Man, I'm getting hungry NOW!

Yup... that was my third reason for not doing it during NAMM... but I was foggy about our last conversation about that.

So... let's call it May 24th. I would ask that people either PM me, or e-mail me with what they are willing to bring (food/drink/snacks, etc). I up a 2nd thread HERE (maybe Michael could make it sticky??? ) ;)

As long as we have enough contributors with food/beverages/sponsers this is go. :)

[indie]

Originally Posted by trakk

Hey Steve, if you decide to make it a cookout instead of catering, I can grill some shrimp diablos and smoke some ribs...

Good grief...you're making me want to move back to Nashville! Great, now I'm hungry.

[joeybaggadonuts]

Please let shrimp diablo guy cater the thing. i'll be there. that is if you allow annoying rick roll guy at your party.

[crypticglobe]

Originally Posted by joeybaggadonuts

Please let shrimp diablo guy cater the thing. i'll be there. that is if you allow annoying rick roll guy at your party.

ANYONE that promises not to try to assault JohnKenn is welcome... ;)

[lrieves]

oh man, when i saw those shrimp diablos i was sold on coming! anybody like guacamole? because i make a pretty mean dip!

[crypticglobe]

Originally Posted by lrieves

oh man, when i saw those shrimp diablos i was sold on coming! anybody like guacamole? because i make a pretty mean dip!

Oh yeah... just e-mail me to officially sign up and I will put ya on the list.... :)

[trakk]

DUDE! I LOVVVVVE guacomole. Sign up already.

Originally Posted by lrieves

oh man, when i saw those shrimp diablos i was sold on coming! anybody like guacamole? because i make a pretty mean dip!

[lrieves]

alright, i'm in!

[DesertDawg]

Originally Posted by trakk

Hey Steve, if you decide to make it a cookout instead of catering, I can grill some shrimp diablos and smoke some ribs...

Shrimp Diablos? What the hell is that??? Looks like shrimp sandwiched between halved jalapeno slices & grilled, wrapped in bacon... if so, that's TOTALLY UNFAIR!!!! lol
You should NOT be able to post a picture like that!

[Lynn Fuston]

Originally Posted by AnalogBrain

I knew too many people who did jingles, and country demos to make a living, they were so emasculated and depressed.

Work is what you make of it. I work with phenomenal musicians when they're recording tracks for choral demos. They don't b____ about it or have bad attitudes. They do their best and find satisfaction in their work. They make a great living not working too terribly hard (compared to other jobs, like digging ditches) at something they enjoy.

Sounds like you fell in with a group of losers.

Also, I think a lot of the drive to find new gear and better gear is derived from needing something new to bring excitement to a job that can become stale after 10-15 years. How many jobs don't?

Here's an example that I like to use. You think those string players that worked on records for Elvis and Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison get excited about playing on demos? I don't think so. Do they have bad attitudes and grouse about playing on demos? Not the ones I know. The players I know are happy (grateful) to be working.

And, just in case you think I'm out of touch, I did jingles for 10 years, sometimes three a day. And I recorded six choral demos last Wednesday. Tracks in the morning, strings and winds in the afternoon, brass and perc in the evening. Was it work? You bet. Did I enjoy it-being with the players and arrangers and making music? You bet.

[Lynn Fuston]

Originally Posted by Watersound

Nashville is an incredible place. The more time I spend here the more I fall in love with it.

The creativity and musicianship is just phenomenal- so inspiring. People who haven't been here are not aware of how diverse it is- truly a great place-and real estate is very affordable.

The thing that I appreciate about my job is that I get to work with groups of musicians, sometimes just four but sometimes a whole room full (like this session with 39 players). It's always wonderful when musicians with years of experience interact and create something. There's nothing quite like it.

[Lynn Fuston]

Originally Posted by smoore98

I can still count it on one hand. In a way, its like right there in your face all around but hidden (with the exception of the blatant places you might go - like into a studio, a music store, or hanging out on Monday nights at the Bluebird cafe). Of course, I don't go out of my way to hang out at Sunset Grill trying to catch a glimpse of a celebrity. When I first moved here what shocked me was how low profile and subtle the whole thing really was. Anyone know what I mean?

I find the opposite to be true. I was almost run over on I-65 one day by some fool in a Mercedes. Turns out it was Jerry Reed.

I was standing in line at the hardware store (Hillsboro Hardware) with my young sons. The customer at the counter stepped backwards and almost trampled my 2 year old. It was Chet Atkins.

Last time I was at Wolfgang Puck's near Cool Springs, I saw Clint Black and his wife at the next table.

At the Christmas parade in downtown Franklin I bumped into Amy Grant in the alley behind the courthouse.

I moved into a house on a hill in Franklin and lived there for two years before I found out that the neighbor down the hill was Bob Moore, legendary bass player for Elvis, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan.

We were at the studio working with a harmonica player who realized we were behind schedule and offered for his girlfriend who was in the lounge to go get lunch for us. He asked what we wanted and she went and got it. It wasn't until she got back and came in the control room that I realized who it was. Allison Krause.

The stars and legends in Nashville are your neighbors. There's no one in Nashville who doesn't know/work with/have a kid on a softball team with/go to church with or is married to someone in the music business. It's just no big deal here.

[Lynn Fuston]

Originally Posted by AudioFocus

Oh, and for everybody that is talking s___ about nashville. please stop.

Or, alternately, you can just keep doing it. Just don't move here. Nashville reached its quota for number of engineers needed in about 1983. Of course, that hasn't stopped the influx. Of course, considering that we've picked up Marcantonio, Wagener, and lots more, I guess it's OK if you come. Just make sure to bring your own work.

Now, players? Or producers? All are welcome. We've added some legends in the past 20 years. Hungate. Omartian. Just to name two.

[Bob Olhsson]

Originally Posted by popmann

...how is that related to modern Nashville country? It's about the only holdout for that old model...

The "old model" was the best way to get a hit records in a singles sales enviornment where songwriters were going to have to compete for exposure with better or better known singers covering their rising hit.

The "new model" was the best way for labels to control songwriters and artists but it only worked if you could sell an entire album rather than a single.

Guess what's happened...

And by the way, Marvin Gaye did not write most of his biggest hits.