How to Survive Before Fame

I’m going to give you some tips here for earning a living once you have moved to town. Here’s hoping your big break comes sooner than later, but until then I hope some of these tips might help. One good thing about living in Nashville is that most employers understand that there are thousands of people in town whose number one goal is success in the music business. Because of this they are usually willing to work with you when you get opportunities to play or sing. In my time there I worked jobs that allowed me to take time off when I got a road gig. It usually worked out very well.

I once worked inside sales for a school enrolling students. Patsy Lynn, who I was working with at the time decided she wanted to go on a 4 week tour out west. I told my employers about it, went on the tour and went right back to work when I came back. There aren’t many places you can do that but you can in Nashville.

The best ways to begin looking for work are to grab a copy of The Tennessean newspaper and call employment agencies. The blue collar trades are usually hiring and there is always plenty of work in the many restaurants around town. Many people don’t know that as well as being a music capital, the advertising industry is huge in Nashville. There is always work for copywriters, ad designers, on air talent and any other area of advertising you may have talent in.

The Musician’s Union is very strong in Nashville. They want all musicians and singers to join but they won’t hunt you down if you don’t. It really depends on who you are working for. Unless you are working with a major star, doing television work or the Opry you can probably get by without being a member. In all the years I was there my membership was only asked for twice and both times I knew it was going to be an issue ahead of time and made sure my dues were current.

The Musician’s Union has a bulletin board where you can post an ad listing your talents or look for jobs. It is also a good place to hang out and meet other musicians. Many rehearsals are held there in one of their halls. There are also companies all over town that serve several functions. They are storage facilities for studio pros as well as rehearsal rooms for artists preparing for tours. Sometimes auditions are held at the facilities.

There are several musician’s lists around town. They come and go so ask around and you will certainly find someone who can get you on one of the current ones. Musicians do use these and they are a good place to get started. Just remember this is a “who you know” business if there ever was one. Get in the habit of striking up a conversation with everyone everywhere you go. It will pay off.

One more thing before I sign off. By all means, whatever you do, if you have an ego or anger problem, leave it back where you came from. The music business here is full of “good ‘ole boys” that laugh, slap each other on the back and have a great time livin’ life. If you are lucky enough that someone takes a “likin’” to you and invites you into this big party, just remember to be nice to everyone. I had a friend who was a very talented country singer. He sounded like a cross between Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley. Within six months of arriving in town he was getting regular work singing demos for several studios. I had known him for a number of years and knew he had a short fuse. I took him aside one day and gently told him to keep his temper in check or it would hurt him. Well one day he was singing a demo and the producer kept stopping him, wanting him to sing it a little differently. It started getting on his nerves and after about the 3rd or 4th time my friend blew up at the producer and left the studio. Unfortunately he hasn’t sung another demo since then and has totally left the music business. So check your temper at the door.

Nashville is a great town with or without the music business. But for those with a dream it is a magical place to be. You never know who you will meet that might be your ticket to where you want to go. Everyone everywhere is a musician, a singer, a songwriter or producer. So dive in, meet everybody you can and have a blast!