A deep conspiracy in the beloved 'music city' is the music itself. Have you ever noticed how the music you get to listen to on the radio is controlled? A hit song you love is moving up the charts to disappear? An artist gets back to back to back number ones? Now, of course, some earn it, but others are being spoon fed. Welcome to Nashville - where every artist downtown Nashville is playing for free in hopes to be discovered.
Songwriters are busy pursuing their dreams of getting their song taken on by a big artist, while their royalties they receive are nothing near what that singer earns.
Yet, if you take a moment to linger in local winery's, small venues, you will find this amazing talent that feeds into the energy of the city. I went out to listen to a friend play a gig at the winery out at the Fontenal. Unfortunately, I walked in as he was packing up, but after a light meal at the café next door, we returned. Our timing could not have been better, a woman in a floor length, hawai'ian print dress took the stage and the mic. She belted out beautiful songs and her voice was dynamic. Yet, sadly, as striking and talented as she was, Nashville music executives will never look at her. She is considered 'too old', 'not blonde enough' and from the playful, feisty spirit on stage, 'not fake enough'. Charissa Nicole, is someone I would cross the street or drive across town to listen to. Yet, some of these big name artists with the auto-tune microphones are not worth crossing into a bar for, and they are the ones who are making the money? It does not make sense to me, where has the quality in our music gone? Why has the power behind music and lyrics faded so much? Compare the message, strength and complexity of the music from the 50's to the mid-80's and you will see a strong diminishing in the quality of music which has been put out there. I'm not saying there hasn't been good music, there absolutely has been good songs. I don't even listen to the radio right now as what is being put out there, especially in this 'bro-country' fad is not appealing. Not for someone like me who has studied music, who deeply appreciates music and enjoys being moved by music.
That is what the craft of that art is about, making a statement, moving someone, not seeing how many times the 'f' word can be used.
Take the time to seek local music, independent artists and let them wow you, you won't regret it.
