Yep. I play on Broadway. You are spot on. I’ve been there for 5 years. I just paid off my cars and bought a house, lol. I luckily only play 4 shifts a week. I’m terrified that if I play any more shifts than that, that I will start to hate playing music though. I’m very protective to not get burned out. But you are spot on. It’s so easy to lose sight of your goals and time just slips right through your fingers.
Jeff Aulich Dude, that’s awesome! When I hear people talk down about the Broadway thing I’m always like “but you can make serious money playing music!” Just got to keep your eye on the prize. Thanks for watching bro!
Even more accurate, 2 years after it was recorded. Been here 24 years and this is required viewing if y'all wanna move here. Dreams still come true here every day.
Great advice to "be nice to everyone because you never know who they are"... However, I'd take it one step further and say "be nice to everyone for it's own sake". Liked and subscribed
Hey Colt, I don't know if you're still reading comments on this vid, but I really appreciate it. I am a songwriter - never wanted to be a performer or do gigs. All my life I had major shit get in the way of music. Kids, divorces, sickness, career, family, religion, etc. I'm moving to TN next month to be around my first love - songwriting. I'm going to be an hour outside of Nashville because I like it quiet. I'll put my studio together near Center Hill, over the lake. I want to tell you something, bro. I'm 60 and it took most of my life to see this - Inspiration, you keep mentioning it. Inspiration is a word that means to "breath in". The good book says that man lives by the breath of God. Inspiration is the breath of God. It is how we know why we are here. It is God's voice. The world is suffocating, discouraging. But inspiration, that fills us up with meaning. It is what makes us happy, fulfilled. No one should ever put their inspirations in the closet and let others tell them what to do with their life. Inspiration. The breath of God. Music is the sound of the truth, the sound of equations of reconciliation that pulls us into deeper meaning. I'm coming to town.
Randomly saw this today December 7th 2023. You have great insights into life here and your vid is 4 years old. I was fortunate to come here in a healthcare career 7 years ago, but with 50+ years of playing experience already under my belt. (Anesthesia sales. Central Illinois born and raised). Retired now and devoting nearly all my time to playing. Total freedom to play anywhere without financial concern. Nashville is a candy store, but be cautious. (I lived in LA in the Eighties, and I see some of the same bullshit here). I've met pro writers, pro touring musicians, and most everyone is straight up. I know the Soulshine Family Band personally and I've played at their jams many years now. They're still thriving after the Midtown thing. You're insights into playing on Broadway are spot on. One thing I'd recommend is to go to the jams and meet people! Go to the singer/songwriter rounds and meet people! Network! There's no age barrier. So much to say, but I'll just finish with good luck, and good playing and it's so damn great to be out of Illinois... Keep up the vid's.
Love the info in this video and am going to have my daughter watch it as well. She's just about 13 and has plans to become a recording artist and move to Nashville to pursue that dream. Hardest thing for us to to understand is when to help her make that move...have her stay put and go to college for music, or head to Nashville sooner rather than later. Looking forward to watching more😊
I'm moving to Nashville soon, that's the reason I watched this video as well as many others. To be frank, I got a bit scared and had some second doubts regarding some other videos I've watched about moving to Nashville as a musician. All I know is that I am in Miami, and no way in hell all of the ugly aspects of Nashville beat Miami. You gave me a lot of reassurance regarding the working relationship within the music scene. Here in SoFlo it is a dog-eat-dog world. You do get to meet some amazing human beings, but it brings some peace to mind that people behave like actual human beings and not some bloodsucking vampires. The fact that you can play music, make a living off of it and meet amazing musicians which you can band up with and tour the country, sounds like a dream to me. Would love to have a cup of coffee with you over some of that famous BBQ. Thanks for the vid!
I am from Florida I sing/songwrite/produce some of my own work and I plan to move to Nashville early 2022. This video was so helpful and detailed 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 thank you so much for your insight!
Colt, I appreciate your sharing your thoughts on Nashville, the music scene, and more. I like the idea of "balance" that some of the other cities offer. I like the notion of a musician within a larger context. Nashville gives you the chance to hone your craft, to network, and to continue being even more serious!
Your abilities and attitude and hard work and personality are what gets you your success - very very few have the abilities you have. Best wishes -but as you know it is not about wishes.
My wife and I decided to move to TN from Florida a year ago. Nashville was my preferred place to go for music, but my wife couldn't stand Nashville for most of the same cons you mentioned, settled on Knoxville and I love it here.There's a great music scene here as well. Great vid and info.
From a guy who' STILL living in the Northeast, been touring int'l for 30+ years, I gotta say your take on Nashville is spot on! Great restaurants, RIDICULOUS talent ( 30 years ago I've had dozens of musician buddies come home after a year with their tail "between their legs"!) Traffic ! if your from a big city or any where in the Northeast is meh , BUT the drivers OMG!!! Advice to be nice to everyone cuz ya never know WHO you're talking with, getting burned out playing locally, keeping lifestyle below income, man just about everything you said, Wish myself and a lot of musician buddies from the Northeast heard this advice 30 years ago. Networking, exceptional talent, and good vibe what more couldja want? Very humble, honest, and right on the money!
I was at your Belmont convo and have been following you ever since! Such excellent advice for us young guns just getting into the industry or really anyone for that matter. Been in Nashville almost 5 years now and I love seeing my friends I've made here succeed in their careers and I would definitely agree we are getting to capacity. Would love to get together sometime when you're free!
New Nashvillian here! (moved here about a year ago for music). Originally from Maine, a place that just doesn't have the infrastructure for music that Nashville has. Several favorite things about Nashville: 1. the skyline - don't know why it affects me so, but it does. 2. That music is looked at as a 'real job' here. 3. That people name drop like nobody's business..lol. Oh, Reba just stopped by your open mic, that's cool... 4. That faith is part of many everyday conversations. Worst things about Nashville: The traffic, hands down. You described it perfectly. It's not just the volume, it's how fast/slow/erratic people drive...including the tractor trailers! Other 'worst' thing about Nashville....is not knowing what is the 'norm' in this music culture versus the one I came from. Some things are a given...be nice, work hard, make friends. But can be tricky knowing how/where to make the needed connections.
Stephanie Ryann I’m so glad it helped! Thank you for watching! Hit me up on Facebook or Instagram and shoot me a message like the week before you come down next, let’s grab a coffee
All helpful practical advice! I’ve been to Broadway several times and have auditioned at the Bluebird Cafe writer night several times… so I was extremely thankful to be chosen for auditions, but bottom line was many contacts I had in the industry at the time advised me to moved there and really get to know fellow writers and absorb the music community and they told me it could take up to 5 years to experience any progress … which all made sense and kinda fits some of what you’ve said in your video. Good video!!
My favorite thing about Nashville: the 'Tennessee thing'. I lived on Music Row for 11 years. It was cool. But after living in a couple of surrounding towns, I became a serious home-boy -- and I'm from Florida. There is a genuine charm and ease about the culture and life here that won me over completely. Each town has it's own personality. Great place to vibe out. My least favorite can be summed up by a quote I heard from a successful producer: "the hardest thing to do in Nashville is to be heard." I'll add to that by saying "to be heard AN/ OR get taken seriously. Dude here is spot on: it's vital to have the right relationships. It doesn't matter how much talent you have. It grows on trees here. It's all about who you know, who knows you, and how much stock they put into you, as a person first, and as a talent. If you're a prick, and have personal issues, work them out before you get here. Thanks Colt for sharing. I wish I'd heard this back in 1981, when I first came to town. Lots has changed here. But what you're telling us is timeless and relevant -- no matter when or where.
Was from Clarksville TN, 45 min outside of Nashville. Ended up moving away to Michigan partially due to the pandemic and cost of living but also to give my music production it's best chance to grow.
I "liked" I "subscribed" and I "shared." Only comment - when things settle down (some day?) you should teach this to others in a formal class. You are so clear and credible in all that you say. I so enjoy your UA-cam channel and I think it benefits many - including myself (and I have been doing music most of life - 50yr) and I learned things today because of you and your generous and excellent contribution!
Great video. What you said about people trying to change Nashville rings true here in Portland Maine. We moved here 20 years ago because New York was changing and losing its allure as an arts and music Mecca. Portland, while a bit insulated, had a great music scene. But over time rich people from New York and Boston realized they could live here cheaply and telecommute. So artists and musicians are being driven out to make way for million dollar condos. It’s affecting the studio business, as clients have to choose between recording and paying their now exorbitant rent. Gentrification marches on. I hope Nashville can weather the storm.
I just subscribed because that video ,just subbled upon and it's my long time(day one ,birth) since I wanted to move to Nashville I'm based in England but I'm originally from Hungary ,was always pondering whether L.A. or Nashville but everytime Nashville comes to mind ,my heart start racing heck knows why (previous life or what...hahaha),anyway this video was the most valoable for me in a long time thank u for that
This is great info!!! I've always suspected over saturation there, so it opens up doors for anything related to health care, since it's big there, like driving in the NEMT( non emergency medical transportation) business, and at the same time funding your music, that way you can survive, especially if the cost of living is high!!! Remember, working a side/day job is Not bad!!! Now for bad drivers, we live in N Ft Myers FL , so we know all about bad drivers!!! I like your channel & content, keep up the great work bro, you ROCK!!! God Bless!!!
People moving in and changing their surroundings is what happened in SF when I lived there. The city used to have a ton of venues & rehearsal spaces. Once the dot coms moved in and all the new employees moved into the hip areas, they started shutting down venues, outdoor cafes & bars. 25yrs later there are only a handful of rehearsal spaces & virtually no venues for local musicians in the city. There are places over the bridge in Oakland. But that's like a different country when you live in SF. - I've watched Austin become effected by Google, Facebook & Tesla moving in as well. It looks the same and, unfortunately, I predict the same happening here in 10yrs.
Spot on, man. A few years ago, I was stationed with the Army Band at Fort Campbell and played some occasional gigs off-duty with a couple of groups around Nashville. I was playing a house party with my friend Ward Davis and he introduced me to the guy filling in on guitar was a guy named Lynn Gann. He was really nice and low key and mentioned being a song plugger. Really humble. I looked him up and he's the guy who got The Boys Of Fall to Kenny Chesney! Like you said, you never know who you're talking to, so be nice.
I’ve been living in Nash for almost a year now. My favorite thing is the like minded people I meet every week who really want to make music. And as a producer, having the team to make great records. My least favorite is having family members or friends visit who want to experience Broadway haha! I'm a producer, songwriter, and session player in town and I'd love to make time to have coffee with you!
As a former musician that joined the Army as a medic and wants to get back into music, I was glad to hear that healthcare is a top industry in Nashville. I want to move there after I get out, and still have other job options until I gain some traction.
Incredible detail! Appreciate it. Also appreciate how you talked about not changing Nashville. Why move somewhere and try to change it? Embrace what makes it incredible.
Hey man, great vibe, loved what you had to say and how you present it...subscribed now and will catch up on more of your stuff...add it to my Bukovac, Pierce, Trapp files ha!
Awesome stuff once again man! I'm moving there exactly a month from today, so this is some great extra insight into what I'm getting into. Would definitely love to grab coffee sometime!
@@ColtCapperrune Yeah man, I'm super stoked to finally be there! We've got a house in Hermitage, so we're roughly 20 minutes from downtown. I'll shoot you a message when we're there- I'd love to link up if we can.
Great video! I’m moving to Hendersonville from NJ this fall. Currently I play bass for the worship team at my church. First thing I want to do when I get there is find another worship team to be apart of. I don’t want to move there and get wrapped so wrapped up in life that my bass playing goes stagnant. The live music scene where I live is very minimal and I just want to be surrounded by like minded individuals with the same passion for music that I have. I’ve always wanted to grow as a bass player and that just isn’t really possible where Im at now. I would love to meet up for a coffee when I get down there!
Im trapped in Dublin with a mortgage so whether Id like to or not....I will never be able to move to Nashville. But Im glad to hear the reality of it. Streets are never made of gold. And at 57 relocating for me would be WAY too much a gamble. I think the time to do those things is when you are young. Fortunately there is the internet so I can still upload and pitch songs from here. Im not making the connections of course but I honestly dont have a choice. Great vids Colt.
Spot on with the drivers here lol. I've lived here for many years now and by far the worst drivers ever anywhere! great video. Definitely looking forward to more in the future. I am currently trying to learn just enough to record myself at home for fun, but i want it to sound decent. keep on chugging bro!
Hey Colt, young ambitious rocker here! Moving to Nashville July 1st of 22. I’ve been watching your vids for months now trying to educate myself as much as I can! I’ve made some really solid connections already through various avenues in Nashville, and I’m just kind of curious where the best place for me to look for other southern rock minds musicians might be around Nashville? Thank you for your mentorship, I hope to work together one day!
Man I vouldn't have said it better, spot on bro...I'm a foodie too, Yup... love me some Hati-B's, Martin's BBQ and Peg Leg Porker too. Love the variety of restaurants & clubs. First came here in 1989, this place was like a cemetery, left and came back in mid 90's and the town was like a nite and day transformation. I think the Eastside gets a bad rap a lot unfortunately, but there are many cool places there. My kid graduated from Belmont and is 100% involved in music and loves it here. I'm a songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer. I hate the traffic/potholes on I-65, I-24, and I-40 and the dang orange cones go on forever. Yes.... too many new arrivals daily, but that's the biz man, folks are here today gone tomorrow. I'm not a fan of all the rain and cloudy days here and the humidity in summer is oppressive. I think you just have to experience Nashville in your own way to know if you could live here full time, I choose not to, my kids do; but that's my thing, I gotta' keep moving and meeting new peeps and challenges. Could I stay here, write songs, play writer nights and or broadway constantly...nope, because I make better money working outside of Nashville, but if I had to I would. I grew up in Los Angeles and earned my chops there, I can tell you I love the beach and SoCal weather, but smog, traffic and just overall vibe, I'll take Nashville over LA or NY any day of the week. Let's face it, if you are into music seriously, Nashville is the last frontier and it's a halfway decent place to raise a family....I would say go for it...but expect many challenges, like rents here are high and hard to find, you are gonna' need room mates unless you're rich and this really is a ten year town, so settle in, get down to business and don't get side tracked drinking on Broadway or working a nine to five and burning out. Love Me Some Nashvegas....! Cheers Y'all
Katrina Burgoyne Well I have a couple of questions.. how do you get into writers rounds? Do people come to open mics or are they more interested in Broadway? Also is it just country music in Nashville?
Coincidentally, my girlfriend lives in Peoria, IL. I've been looking to relocate for a while now (I'm from northeast Ohio). Obviously I'd love to be in Peoria with her (her job "area" is in the midwest), but being a guitar player I've had Nashville on the mind, wondering your thoughts if you ever see this. Other than that needing to be a conversation to have with her, I've recently visited Nashville and really enjoyed it. I have friends there now, many that are playing on Broadway. I'm usually a "hired gun" type of guy so Broadway work would be nice, but I also enjoy theatre pit work and would love to try to get in to session work someday. So far the majority of my work has been amusement parks and cruise ships, but that always involves being away from your place of residence. Being from Peoria, now in Nashville, is this pretty much THE place to go or are there similar opportunities in the midwest like Chicago? Looking at it from a long term perspective of course. Thanks for the videos, you earned a sub!
Great stuff man! My buddy Andrew Kumar sent me here. Been working the LA scene for 4 years and want to make the move to Nashville... This video definitely helped. I’ll be out there in Dec. to hang with friends/family, would love to grab coffee! 👊🏼
Matthew Mitchell I’m so glad it helped! Really appreciate you watching! Hit me up on Facebook or Instagram and shoot me a message the week before you come to town, let’s definitely try to grab coffee
Have been thinking about visiting this summer, from a small town in Missouri with no music scene, really debating the idea of a move but want to be sure it’s the right fit. Great video!
I've lived here for 15 years and have made my living as a touring musician for the past 10 years. Now I have a family and I'd like to stop touring. I'd love to make a living as a songwriter. But I don't know if there's a future in that. Spotify, youtube, etc all make music free now. How do songwriters make any money? Opinions?
I just busted out laughing when you spoke of the drivers here.lol, I am in Knoxville and there is no difference and my daughter lives in Nashville so I commute and it sux, thanx for all the advice and work you do. maybe someday our paths will cross, never know......
drinking and druging ruins alot for people.I may have been well on my way but wouldnt cgange a thing for those life lessons, stay positive, stay focused and stay clean !!!!
Very helpful Colt - hank you. I currently live in Chicago and am a drummer as much as possible. I haven't played in Peoria yet but I know Jason Miles. When the time is right for gigs again, I hope to come through there. (my original band is Chicago Loud 9 - look us up on all the things!) I'm thinking about how would do down in Nashville to get away from the WInters. Coming from Chicago, a lot of the stuff you're saying makes sense. The big thing I took away from this was to HAVE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT! Cheers, man. Any other thoughts for drummers or Chicagoans specificlally, LMK!
The change also happened in Key West. Investors from somewhere else bought everything up and changed if from the cool place that was fun to a cheap commercial tourist trap that I avoid. Have you driven in Miami?
Hey! This video was super helpful, thank you so much. My boyfriend and I are actually going to check out Nashville Feb 4-9th, and would love to get coffee if you’re around. We’re both musicians, I’m from NY, he’s from CT, and are looking to check out Nashville, and get an idea of the city, and if it’s somewhere we’d want to live!
Colt, this has been very informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to shoot this video. I have been in Austin, TX for several years (originally from SC) and am looking for a change in the next two years or so. It sounds like Nashville parallels Austin in quite a few ways, which unfortunately has been a bit of a fear of mine for a lot of reasons you mentioned. Having said that, your speaking of the quality and amount of musicianship that is there is comforting. I am an engineer/producer and have acquired a decent amount of equipment over the years, and I've been unsure of my next "step". Not sure if I should sell most of everything and start from scratch, or if I just haul everything with me (my thinking is that most all of it is replaceable). What did you do? Secondly, I do tech work for a living (vintage hi fi/studio/pro audio repair), and I'm looking to transition out of it as a means of primary funds. However, if I did happen to move to Nashville, what do you think the chances are of getting a tech job at a major studio there, at least to start, or for networking purposes? Thanks so much again!
What are the open jams in Nashville like? Would you recommend open jams as a good way to meet fellow musicians in the local scene in Nashville? The gig scene on Broadway doesn't really appeal to me as I have a good day job in construction management. I would love to find people to write good music and play local gigs at night while still keeping my day job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently live in Denver and a part of the local music scene here but potentially looking to relocate in the next year or so.
Im a canadian, singer, songwriter. I've talked to agents who all are telling me the industry is hurting....touring , performing is bleak... Where the future of country music', performances headed...with this Covid?
While I was "consuming this" video, I was experimenting with new backgrounds of my home studio for future videos. I'm very pleased with the results and look forward to creating new vids with the new look. There's just something wonderful about having studio equipment as your background.
I moved to Tennessee from Phoenix in 2015 for a job opportunity. I have come to love it here. I see how hard you are trying not to say, "Leave your politics and bullshit wherever you came from there and don't bring it here." Tennessee was quite a culture shock moving from a desert metropolis with almost 5 million people to Columbia with only about 40k. I would never do anything to change the culture here. Having been born and raised and living my entire life in Phoenix, which experienced exploding growth very fast and is still growing, I saw how the influx of people from, mainly, California ruined the culture and political climate there. That was another good reason for me to leave and never look back. The types of political leaders that were there and had been for decades were voted out of office in favor of the same types who raised the taxes and changed laws that made the cost of living increase to the point where the natives can't afford to live there anymore. I love the people here. They are profoundly very polite and considerate as opposed to where I came from. Why would I want to change that?! I am now retired so any musical aspirations I once had are now my hobby. It seems kind of strange that I moved from Phoenix where I busted my guitar playing and recording ass for decades in a city that arguably has the worst music industry in the country for its size, to Tennessee where it is huge, and now I'm just playing and recording for fun. I would love to meet up with you sometime but I understand that you are very busy keeping all the balls in the air. If you are ever in Columbia or Spring Hill look me up. I sent you my info in an email about a week ago.
Hi Colt, I am a singer songwriter from Florida who is into slower softer indie/folk music and I’m curious if there’s an appeal for that there. Do you find that there’s a genre preference for producers or mixers in Nashville? Or is there a genre preference on Broadway? Thank you for the video man, very honest and informative.
I moved to Nashville in 2008 to take a hospital job. Came from small town Florida, loved everything about Nashville for a few years... Then started to see people coming in from Northern nameless states with shit attitudes and agendas. I'm back in Florida now. If I move back to Tennessee, it will be Eastern TN.
This video really helped man. I am 16 years old, my plan is when i graduate i am moving to Nashville to try to play on Broadway or just try to get my name out there. I am a bassist and i have been playing bass for about 5 or 6 years now. My question is what if you have no experience in Nashville and you want to make a living playing gigs up there?
Danny Danymal Lee Thanks so much man! Appreciate you watching! I do not use a cloud lifter. The SM7B goes into a CAPI Heider. Then right to ProTools, where I add some EQ, and compression. But that is it. Super straightforward.
@@ColtCapperrune Awesome! I make way too much mouth noise when I've made videos and it eats up a ton of time editing out the lip/tongue sounds...ugh lol
I'm a musician from Sweden and I want to move to Nashville and really want to try my luck in the US. Can you play at bars and such if you are under 21 years old? I will turn 21 in the late summer of 2023. How does it work with getting payed and such? I am not a american citizen. I do not expect with getting payed imidiatley PLS HELP
Just looking at your gear I can tell you are a serious guitar player and producer! I was scoping out sub-urbs and you totally gave me a few to check out. Thank you! I'm primarily a Rock/Pop top-liner and was curious what the original Rock/Pop scene is like there? Would love to co-write with talented song-writers but am not sure what the climate is. I guess I'll find out one way or another! Cheers!
Ha! You think drivers are bad there? Try living in Spain haha, EVERY car you see ANYWHERE has a ding, broken bumper (fender?) scratch down the side, (they just key your car all the way down for now reason! You can walk down a street and see every car scratched with a key all the way down the street......... cool vid man, interesting!
Anyone have experience with blackbird academy? With so many multifaceted people in the world, today and especially in Nashville can someone still make a living as strictly an audio engineer and mixer?
What I liked about this video first let me say I live in NY I AM A MUSICIAN thinking of moving to Nash, I liked how you named all those suburbs - for myself you got me on the suburbs now if I went there I just want to know I could play open mics every week with not too much trouble and or eventually play in some dive bar clubs and just be able to walk down Main Street in cowboy boots and say hello and meet friendly people good vibes and all that or is Nash much like every city now in which it’s just about craft beers piercings and star wars
Yep. I play on Broadway. You are spot on. I’ve been there for 5 years. I just paid off my cars and bought a house, lol. I luckily only play 4 shifts a week. I’m terrified that if I play any more shifts than that, that I will start to hate playing music though. I’m very protective to not get burned out. But you are spot on. It’s so easy to lose sight of your goals and time just slips right through your fingers.
Jeff Aulich Dude, that’s awesome! When I hear people talk down about the Broadway thing I’m always like “but you can make serious money playing music!” Just got to keep your eye on the prize. Thanks for watching bro!
Even more accurate, 2 years after it was recorded. Been here 24 years and this is required viewing if y'all wanna move here. Dreams still come true here every day.
Great advice to "be nice to everyone because you never know who they are"... However, I'd take it one step further and say "be nice to everyone for it's own sake". Liked and subscribed
Hey Colt, I don't know if you're still reading comments on this vid, but I really appreciate it. I am a songwriter - never wanted to be a performer or do gigs. All my life I had major shit get in the way of music. Kids, divorces, sickness, career, family, religion, etc. I'm moving to TN next month to be around my first love - songwriting. I'm going to be an hour outside of Nashville because I like it quiet. I'll put my studio together near Center Hill, over the lake.
I want to tell you something, bro. I'm 60 and it took most of my life to see this - Inspiration, you keep mentioning it. Inspiration is a word that means to "breath in". The good book says that man lives by the breath of God. Inspiration is the breath of God. It is how we know why we are here. It is God's voice. The world is suffocating, discouraging. But inspiration, that fills us up with meaning. It is what makes us happy, fulfilled. No one should ever put their inspirations in the closet and let others tell them what to do with their life. Inspiration. The breath of God. Music is the sound of the truth, the sound of equations of reconciliation that pulls us into deeper meaning. I'm coming to town.
Randomly saw this today December 7th 2023. You have great insights into life here and your vid is 4 years old. I was fortunate to come here in a healthcare career 7 years ago, but with 50+ years of playing experience already under my belt. (Anesthesia sales. Central Illinois born and raised). Retired now and devoting nearly all my time to playing. Total freedom to play anywhere without financial concern. Nashville is a candy store, but be cautious. (I lived in LA in the Eighties, and I see some of the same bullshit here). I've met pro writers, pro touring musicians, and most everyone is straight up. I know the Soulshine Family Band personally and I've played at their jams many years now. They're still thriving after the Midtown thing. You're insights into playing on Broadway are spot on. One thing I'd recommend is to go to the jams and meet people! Go to the singer/songwriter rounds and meet people! Network! There's no age barrier. So much to say, but I'll just finish with good luck, and good playing and it's so damn great to be out of Illinois... Keep up the vid's.
This man has a 3rd Power amp right beside him...what he speaks is the gospel.
Love the info in this video and am going to have my daughter watch it as well. She's just about 13 and has plans to become a recording artist and move to Nashville to pursue that dream. Hardest thing for us to to understand is when to help her make that move...have her stay put and go to college for music, or head to Nashville sooner rather than later. Looking forward to watching more😊
I'm moving to Nashville soon, that's the reason I watched this video as well as many others. To be frank, I got a bit scared and had some second doubts regarding some other videos I've watched about moving to Nashville as a musician. All I know is that I am in Miami, and no way in hell all of the ugly aspects of Nashville beat Miami.
You gave me a lot of reassurance regarding the working relationship within the music scene. Here in SoFlo it is a dog-eat-dog world. You do get to meet some amazing human beings, but it brings some peace to mind that people behave like actual human beings and not some bloodsucking vampires.
The fact that you can play music, make a living off of it and meet amazing musicians which you can band up with and tour the country, sounds like a dream to me.
Would love to have a cup of coffee with you over some of that famous BBQ.
Thanks for the vid!
Hey dude! I’m from Miami too and considering a move to Nash next year. Would love to chat and see how it’s gone for you so far!
I am from Florida I sing/songwrite/produce some of my own work and I plan to move to Nashville early 2022. This video was so helpful and detailed 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 thank you so much for your insight!
So did u move???
It starts at 3:09
Colt, I appreciate your sharing your thoughts on Nashville, the music scene, and more. I like the idea of "balance" that some of the other cities offer. I like the notion of a musician within a larger context. Nashville gives you the chance to hone your craft, to network, and to continue being even more serious!
Your abilities and attitude and hard work and personality are what gets you your success - very very few have the abilities you have. Best wishes -but as you know it is not about wishes.
My wife and I decided to move to TN from Florida a year ago. Nashville was my preferred place to go for music, but my wife couldn't stand Nashville for most of the same cons you mentioned, settled on Knoxville and I love it here.There's a great music scene here as well. Great vid and info.
From a guy who' STILL living in the Northeast, been touring int'l for 30+ years, I gotta say your take on Nashville is spot on! Great restaurants, RIDICULOUS talent ( 30 years ago I've had dozens of musician buddies come home after a year with their tail "between their legs"!)
Traffic ! if your from a big city or any where in the Northeast is meh , BUT the drivers OMG!!! Advice to be nice to everyone cuz ya never know WHO you're talking with, getting burned out playing locally, keeping lifestyle below income, man just about everything you said, Wish myself and a lot of musician buddies from the Northeast heard this advice 30 years ago. Networking, exceptional talent, and good vibe what more couldja want? Very humble, honest, and right on the money!
Thank you for the content, sir. Out of Chicago, IL. Cheers.
Good stuff buddy
I was at your Belmont convo and have been following you ever since! Such excellent advice for us young guns just getting into the industry or really anyone for that matter. Been in Nashville almost 5 years now and I love seeing my friends I've made here succeed in their careers and I would definitely agree we are getting to capacity. Would love to get together sometime when you're free!
Love this
Steven Wallace thanks so much man! Shoot me a message on IG!
New Nashvillian here! (moved here about a year ago for music). Originally from Maine, a place that just doesn't have the infrastructure for music that Nashville has. Several favorite things about Nashville: 1. the skyline - don't know why it affects me so, but it does. 2. That music is looked at as a 'real job' here. 3. That people name drop like nobody's business..lol. Oh, Reba just stopped by your open mic, that's cool... 4. That faith is part of many everyday conversations. Worst things about Nashville: The traffic, hands down. You described it perfectly. It's not just the volume, it's how fast/slow/erratic people drive...including the tractor trailers! Other 'worst' thing about Nashville....is not knowing what is the 'norm' in this music culture versus the one I came from. Some things are a given...be nice, work hard, make friends. But can be tricky knowing how/where to make the needed connections.
Kick ass video Colt! That helps me so much! Not sure I’m ready to “move” per say, but definitely wanting to come down and network!
Stephanie Ryann I’m so glad it helped! Thank you for watching! Hit me up on Facebook or Instagram and shoot me a message like the week before you come down next, let’s grab a coffee
All helpful practical advice!
I’ve been to Broadway several times and have auditioned at the Bluebird Cafe writer night several times… so I was extremely thankful to be chosen for auditions, but bottom line was many contacts I had in the industry at the time advised me to moved there and really get to know fellow writers and absorb the music community and they told me it could take up to 5 years to experience any progress … which all made sense and kinda fits some of what you’ve said in your video.
Good video!!
My favorite thing about Nashville: the 'Tennessee thing'. I lived on Music Row for 11 years. It was cool. But after living in a couple of surrounding towns, I became a serious home-boy -- and I'm from Florida. There is a genuine charm and ease about the culture and life here that won me over completely. Each town has it's own personality. Great place to vibe out.
My least favorite can be summed up by a quote I heard from a successful producer: "the hardest thing to do in Nashville is to be heard." I'll add to that by saying "to be heard AN/ OR get taken seriously.
Dude here is spot on: it's vital to have the right relationships. It doesn't matter how much talent you have. It grows on trees here. It's all about who you know, who knows you, and how much stock they put into you, as a person first, and as a talent. If you're a prick, and have personal issues, work them out before you get here.
Thanks Colt for sharing. I wish I'd heard this back in 1981, when I first came to town. Lots has changed here. But what you're telling us is timeless and relevant -- no matter when or where.
Hey Colt, super insightful! Would you say your points three years later/post pandemic have evolved since first recording this video??
You have no idea how grateful I am for you posting this video. Thinking of moving in August and this is great information and I'd love to connect.
Congrats on your move! Shoot me a message on Instagram!
Was from Clarksville TN, 45 min outside of Nashville. Ended up moving away to Michigan partially due to the pandemic and cost of living but also to give my music production it's best chance to grow.
Love this
Katrina Burgoyne thanks for watching!!
I "liked" I "subscribed" and I "shared." Only comment - when things settle down (some day?) you should teach this to others in a formal class. You are so clear and credible in all that you say. I so enjoy your UA-cam channel and I think it benefits many - including myself (and I have been doing music most of life - 50yr) and I learned things today because of you and your generous and excellent contribution!
Great video. What you said about people trying to change Nashville rings true here in Portland Maine. We moved here 20 years ago because New York was changing and losing its allure as an arts and music Mecca. Portland, while a bit insulated, had a great music scene. But over time rich people from New York and Boston realized they could live here cheaply and telecommute. So artists and musicians are being driven out to make way for million dollar condos. It’s affecting the studio business, as clients have to choose between recording and paying their now exorbitant rent. Gentrification marches on. I hope Nashville can weather the storm.
Awesome
I just subscribed because that video ,just subbled upon and it's my long time(day one ,birth) since I wanted to move to Nashville I'm based in England but I'm originally from Hungary ,was always pondering whether L.A. or Nashville but everytime Nashville comes to mind ,my heart start racing heck knows why (previous life or what...hahaha),anyway this video was the most valoable for me in a long time thank u for that
This is great info!!! I've always suspected over saturation there, so it opens up doors for anything related to health care, since it's big there, like driving in the NEMT( non emergency medical transportation) business, and at the same time funding your music, that way you can survive, especially if the cost of living is high!!! Remember, working a side/day job is Not bad!!! Now for bad drivers, we live in N Ft Myers FL , so we know all about bad drivers!!! I like your channel & content, keep up the great work bro, you ROCK!!! God Bless!!!
That's it...I have to move to Nashville. Thanks a lot brah! 😄
People moving in and changing their surroundings is what happened in SF when I lived there. The city used to have a ton of venues & rehearsal spaces. Once the dot coms moved in and all the new employees moved into the hip areas, they started shutting down venues, outdoor cafes & bars. 25yrs later there are only a handful of rehearsal spaces & virtually no venues for local musicians in the city. There are places over the bridge in Oakland. But that's like a different country when you live in SF. - I've watched Austin become effected by Google, Facebook & Tesla moving in as well. It looks the same and, unfortunately, I predict the same happening here in 10yrs.
Spot on, man. A few years ago, I was stationed with the Army Band at Fort Campbell and played some occasional gigs off-duty with a couple of groups around Nashville. I was playing a house party with my friend Ward Davis and he introduced me to the guy filling in on guitar was a guy named Lynn Gann. He was really nice and low key and mentioned being a song plugger. Really humble. I looked him up and he's the guy who got The Boys Of Fall to Kenny Chesney! Like you said, you never know who you're talking to, so be nice.
I’ve been living in Nash for almost a year now. My favorite thing is the like minded people I meet every week who really want to make music. And as a producer, having the team to make great records. My least favorite is having family members or friends visit who want to experience Broadway haha!
I'm a producer, songwriter, and session player in town and I'd love to make time to have coffee with you!
This was very informative. I’m an artist & songwriter from Houston preparing to move early 2022. Hoping for the best.
Glad it helped! Keep in touch!
As a former musician that joined the Army as a medic and wants to get back into music, I was glad to hear that healthcare is a top industry in Nashville. I want to move there after I get out, and still have other job options until I gain some traction.
Great info Colt!
Incredible detail! Appreciate it.
Also appreciate how you talked about not changing Nashville. Why move somewhere and try to change it? Embrace what makes it incredible.
Hey man, great vibe, loved what you had to say and how you present it...subscribed now and will catch up on more of your stuff...add it to my Bukovac, Pierce, Trapp files ha!
Awesome stuff once again man! I'm moving there exactly a month from today, so this is some great extra insight into what I'm getting into. Would definitely love to grab coffee sometime!
Matt Bolton Dude! That’s awesome! Do you know what side of town you are moving to? Let’s definitely grab a coffee when you get here
@@ColtCapperrune Yeah man, I'm super stoked to finally be there! We've got a house in Hermitage, so we're roughly 20 minutes from downtown. I'll shoot you a message when we're there- I'd love to link up if we can.
Matt Bolton killer man! Let’s do it
I hope you are settled in
Great video! I’m moving to Hendersonville from NJ this fall. Currently I play bass for the worship team at my church. First thing I want to do when I get there is find another worship team to be apart of. I don’t want to move there and get wrapped so wrapped up in life that my bass playing goes stagnant. The live music scene where I live is very minimal and I just want to be surrounded by like minded individuals with the same passion for music that I have. I’ve always wanted to grow as a bass player and that just isn’t really possible where Im at now. I would love to meet up for a coffee when I get down there!
Im trapped in Dublin with a mortgage so whether Id like to or not....I will never be able to move to Nashville. But Im glad to hear the reality of it. Streets are never made of gold. And at 57 relocating for me would be WAY too much a gamble. I think the time to do those things is when you are young. Fortunately there is the internet so I can still upload and pitch songs from here. Im not making the connections of course but I honestly dont have a choice. Great vids Colt.
Awsome!
Spot on with the drivers here lol. I've lived here for many years now and by far the worst drivers ever anywhere! great video. Definitely looking forward to more in the future. I am currently trying to learn just enough to record myself at home for fun, but i want it to sound decent. keep on chugging bro!
Also, beautiful studio! Best of luck to you here in Nashville!
Hey Colt, young ambitious rocker here! Moving to Nashville July 1st of 22. I’ve been watching your vids for months now trying to educate myself as much as I can! I’ve made some really solid connections already through various avenues in Nashville, and I’m just kind of curious where the best place for me to look for other southern rock minds musicians might be around Nashville? Thank you for your mentorship, I hope to work together one day!
Go to the Hattie Bee's on 8th Ave, not Broadway. The line at the Broadway spot is ridiculous lol
Man I vouldn't have said it better, spot on bro...I'm a foodie too, Yup... love me some Hati-B's, Martin's BBQ and Peg Leg Porker too. Love the variety of restaurants & clubs. First came here in 1989, this place was like a cemetery, left and came back in mid 90's and the town was like a nite and day transformation. I think the Eastside gets a bad rap a lot unfortunately, but there are many cool places there. My kid graduated from Belmont and is 100% involved in music and loves it here. I'm a songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer. I hate the traffic/potholes on I-65, I-24, and I-40 and the dang orange cones go on forever. Yes.... too many new arrivals daily, but that's the biz man, folks are here today gone tomorrow. I'm not a fan of all the rain and cloudy days here and the humidity in summer is oppressive. I think you just have to experience Nashville in your own way to know if you could live here full time, I choose not to, my kids do; but that's my thing, I gotta' keep moving and meeting new peeps and challenges. Could I stay here, write songs, play writer nights and or broadway constantly...nope, because I make better money working outside of Nashville, but if I had to I would. I grew up in Los Angeles and earned my chops there, I can tell you I love the beach and SoCal weather, but smog, traffic and just overall vibe, I'll take Nashville over LA or NY any day of the week. Let's face it, if you are into music seriously, Nashville is the last frontier and it's a halfway decent place to raise a family....I would say go for it...but expect many challenges, like rents here are high and hard to find, you are gonna' need room mates unless you're rich and this really is a ten year town, so settle in, get down to business and don't get side tracked drinking on Broadway or working a nine to five and burning out. Love Me Some Nashvegas....!
Cheers Y'all
I really like the Quality of podcast you output, Everyone should look up to this
Can you talk about singer songwriters playing their own songs and the opportunity there is for that in Nashville?
Katrina Burgoyne Well I have a couple of questions.. how do you get into writers rounds? Do people come to open mics or are they more interested in Broadway? Also is it just country music in Nashville?
Coincidentally, my girlfriend lives in Peoria, IL. I've been looking to relocate for a while now (I'm from northeast Ohio). Obviously I'd love to be in Peoria with her (her job "area" is in the midwest), but being a guitar player I've had Nashville on the mind, wondering your thoughts if you ever see this. Other than that needing to be a conversation to have with her, I've recently visited Nashville and really enjoyed it. I have friends there now, many that are playing on Broadway. I'm usually a "hired gun" type of guy so Broadway work would be nice, but I also enjoy theatre pit work and would love to try to get in to session work someday. So far the majority of my work has been amusement parks and cruise ships, but that always involves being away from your place of residence. Being from Peoria, now in Nashville, is this pretty much THE place to go or are there similar opportunities in the midwest like Chicago? Looking at it from a long term perspective of course. Thanks for the videos, you earned a sub!
greetings from Rockford ,IL good info here thanks
It works for me! Thank you.
Great stuff man! My buddy Andrew Kumar sent me here. Been working the LA scene for 4 years and want to make the move to Nashville... This video definitely helped. I’ll be out there in Dec. to hang with friends/family, would love to grab coffee! 👊🏼
Matthew Mitchell I’m so glad it helped! Really appreciate you watching! Hit me up on Facebook or Instagram and shoot me a message the week before you come to town, let’s definitely try to grab coffee
Great info, thanx man!
Have been thinking about visiting this summer, from a small town in Missouri with no music scene, really debating the idea of a move but want to be sure it’s the right fit. Great video!
I've lived here for 15 years and have made my living as a touring musician for the past 10 years. Now I have a family and I'd like to stop touring. I'd love to make a living as a songwriter. But I don't know if there's a future in that. Spotify, youtube, etc all make music free now. How do songwriters make any money? Opinions?
You’re awesome Colt
Tyler Alford just hope it’s helps someone. Appreciate you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Awesome video man!
Zakk Burke thanks so much man! Appreciate ya watching!
I just busted out laughing when you spoke of the drivers here.lol, I am in Knoxville and there is no difference and my daughter lives in Nashville so I commute and it sux, thanx for all the advice and work you do. maybe someday our paths will cross, never know......
drinking and druging ruins alot for people.I may have been well on my way but wouldnt cgange a thing for those life lessons, stay positive, stay focused and stay clean !!!!
Very helpful Colt - hank you. I currently live in Chicago and am a drummer as much as possible. I haven't played in Peoria yet but I know Jason Miles. When the time is right for gigs again, I hope to come through there. (my original band is Chicago Loud 9 - look us up on all the things!) I'm thinking about how would do down in Nashville to get away from the WInters. Coming from Chicago, a lot of the stuff you're saying makes sense. The big thing I took away from this was to HAVE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT! Cheers, man. Any other thoughts for drummers or Chicagoans specificlally, LMK!
I Live 20 minutes northwest of Nashville. Too crowded down there.
The change also happened in Key West. Investors from somewhere else bought everything up and changed if from the cool place that was fun to a cheap commercial tourist trap that I avoid. Have you driven in Miami?
Great video!
Daniel Seriff Thanks so much man! Really appreciate you watching!
great video. spot on , nothing but the truth.
Hey! This video was super helpful, thank you so much. My boyfriend and I are actually going to check out Nashville Feb 4-9th, and would love to get coffee if you’re around. We’re both musicians, I’m from NY, he’s from CT, and are looking to check out Nashville, and get an idea of the city, and if it’s somewhere we’d want to live!
Thank you
Colt, this has been very informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to shoot this video. I have been in Austin, TX for several years (originally from SC) and am looking for a change in the next two years or so. It sounds like Nashville parallels Austin in quite a few ways, which unfortunately has been a bit of a fear of mine for a lot of reasons you mentioned. Having said that, your speaking of the quality and amount of musicianship that is there is comforting.
I am an engineer/producer and have acquired a decent amount of equipment over the years, and I've been unsure of my next "step". Not sure if I should sell most of everything and start from scratch, or if I just haul everything with me (my thinking is that most all of it is replaceable). What did you do?
Secondly, I do tech work for a living (vintage hi fi/studio/pro audio repair), and I'm looking to transition out of it as a means of primary funds. However, if I did happen to move to Nashville, what do you think the chances are of getting a tech job at a major studio there, at least to start, or for networking purposes?
Thanks so much again!
What are the open jams in Nashville like? Would you recommend open jams as a good way to meet fellow musicians in the local scene in Nashville? The gig scene on Broadway doesn't really appeal to me as I have a good day job in construction management. I would love to find people to write good music and play local gigs at night while still keeping my day job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently live in Denver and a part of the local music scene here but potentially looking to relocate in the next year or so.
Im a canadian, singer, songwriter.
I've talked to agents who all are telling me the industry is hurting....touring , performing is bleak...
Where the future of country music', performances headed...with this Covid?
Average rent apartment or house?? Thanks very informative I still want to be there!!!
Is it better to play covers or originals at gigs? What about those of us that dont play country (im more electronic alternative...)
While I was "consuming this" video, I was experimenting with new backgrounds of my home studio for future videos. I'm very pleased with the results and look forward to creating new vids with the new look. There's just something wonderful about having studio equipment as your background.
I moved to Tennessee from Phoenix in 2015 for a job opportunity. I have come to love it here. I see how hard you are trying not to say, "Leave your politics and bullshit wherever you came from there and don't bring it here." Tennessee was quite a culture shock moving from a desert metropolis with almost 5 million people to Columbia with only about 40k. I would never do anything to change the culture here. Having been born and raised and living my entire life in Phoenix, which experienced exploding growth very fast and is still growing, I saw how the influx of people from, mainly, California ruined the culture and political climate there. That was another good reason for me to leave and never look back. The types of political leaders that were there and had been for decades were voted out of office in favor of the same types who raised the taxes and changed laws that made the cost of living increase to the point where the natives can't afford to live there anymore.
I love the people here. They are profoundly very polite and considerate as opposed to where I came from. Why would I want to change that?! I am now retired so any musical aspirations I once had are now my hobby. It seems kind of strange that I moved from Phoenix where I busted my guitar playing and recording ass for decades in a city that arguably has the worst music industry in the country for its size, to Tennessee where it is huge, and now I'm just playing and recording for fun.
I would love to meet up with you sometime but I understand that you are very busy keeping all the balls in the air. If you are ever in Columbia or Spring Hill look me up. I sent you my info in an email about a week ago.
Hi Colt, I am a singer songwriter from Florida who is into slower softer indie/folk music and I’m curious if there’s an appeal for that there. Do you find that there’s a genre preference for producers or mixers in Nashville? Or is there a genre preference on Broadway?
Thank you for the video man, very honest and informative.
I moved to Nashville in 2008 to take a hospital job. Came from small town Florida, loved everything about Nashville for a few years... Then started to see people coming in from Northern nameless states with shit attitudes and agendas. I'm back in Florida now. If I move back to Tennessee, it will be Eastern TN.
This video really helped man. I am 16 years old, my plan is when i graduate i am moving to Nashville to try to play on Broadway or just try to get my name out there. I am a bassist and i have been playing bass for about 5 or 6 years now. My question is what if you have no experience in Nashville and you want to make a living playing gigs up there?
Hey man, great vid, as usual! I meant to ask you; are you by chance using a Cloud Lifter on your SM7? Thanks!
Danny Danymal Lee Thanks so much man! Appreciate you watching! I do not use a cloud lifter. The SM7B goes into a CAPI Heider. Then right to ProTools, where I add some EQ, and compression. But that is it. Super straightforward.
@@ColtCapperrune Awesome! I make way too much mouth noise when I've made videos and it eats up a ton of time editing out the lip/tongue sounds...ugh lol
Love your advice and would like to know what you think of my song Heart of Desire. Any advice would be helpful. Have a super week.
Hey I just decided to be a concert audio technician not sure where to start any advice? And is it a fun job?
Could you point me in the right direction to get some gigs out that way? I’ve messaged so many people and sent so many emails without a response
Hey Colt, how do I get in contact w you? I’m planning on moving up this fall, we could team up on my new ep I’m working on
I'd work with any where you play well with others is a certain
I'm a musician from Sweden and I want to move to Nashville and really want to try my luck in the US. Can you play at bars and such if you are under 21 years old? I will turn 21 in the late summer of 2023. How does it work with getting payed and such? I am not a american citizen. I do not expect with getting payed imidiatley PLS HELP
My hot chicken spot is Moore’s spicy chicken in Hendersonville. Hattie b’s is great but damn tourists make it stupid to go to.
Just looking at your gear I can tell you are a serious guitar player and producer!
I was scoping out sub-urbs and you totally gave me a few to check out. Thank you!
I'm primarily a Rock/Pop top-liner and was curious what the original Rock/Pop scene is like there? Would love to co-write with talented song-writers but am not sure what the climate is. I guess I'll find out one way or another!
Cheers!
I dont get how the city allowed condos to be built near music venues!!!!
I am a singer/guitar player without a band. Can you play on Broadway without a full band?
There are solo/duo Acoustic gigs to be had downtown, no doubt.
@@ColtCapperrune o nice.
Ha! You think drivers are bad there? Try living in Spain haha, EVERY car you see ANYWHERE has a ding, broken bumper (fender?) scratch down the side, (they just key your car all the way down for now reason! You can walk down a street and see every car scratched with a key all the way down the street......... cool vid man, interesting!
How about a 2024 update:)
I love you
alright i'm gonna visit and get fatter !!
Starlight in Franklin treated us great after universal studios called them back in 1995
lets have coffee brother.
Anyone have experience with blackbird academy? With so many multifaceted people in the world, today and especially in Nashville can someone still make a living as strictly an audio engineer and mixer?
What I liked about this video first let me say I live in NY I AM A MUSICIAN thinking of moving to Nash, I liked how you named all those suburbs - for myself you got me on the suburbs now if I went there I just want to know I could play open mics every week with not too much trouble and or eventually play in some dive bar clubs and just be able to walk down Main Street in cowboy boots and say hello and meet friendly people good vibes and all that or is Nash much like every city now in which it’s just about craft beers piercings and star wars