Nashville. Music City. When most people think of Nashville, cowboys, honky tonks and country music are usually the first things that come to mind. Yes, Nashville has those things, but there is so much more to the city than country music. As a native Nashvillian, I have always been frustrated by this stereotype.
When I tell people that I am from Nashville, their first response is always, “Oh. So you love country music, right?” There is a huge misconception that Nashville is a city only full of country music, when, in reality, Nashville has a very diverse music scene. There is a huge pop, folk and rock scene that many outsiders don’t realize. A few names that might ring a bell include Kings of Leon, The Civil Wars and Ke$ha.
I first realized what Nashville had to offer after hearing about a group called Ten Out of Tenn when I was 17. This group consists of ten artists that call Nashville home and go on tour together acting as each others band. A few Ten Out of Tenn staples include Erin McCarley, Trent Dabbs, Tyler James, Griffin House, Andrew Belle and Katie Herzig to name a few.
One of most amazing things about the local scene in Nashville is the community. You can go to any show and the room is filled with other musicians who are there to support their friends. There is no competition, and chances are they have probably co-written at least one song being performed. It is a group of friends supporting friends. There is an energy that pulsates through these venues every night that is indescribable. In an industry that is so competitive, it is so refreshing to see an entire community of musicians come together and support each other on a regular basis.
Local artists are starting to make themselves known and are getting well-deserved attention. Songs on popular television shows and movies by Nashville artists are becoming more and more common. Mikky Ekko recently released a little song with Rihanna that you may have heard of. “Stay?” These artists are making their mark on a national level and I couldn’t be more proud of them. There is such amazing talent there and I am excited to see how these musicians change the Nashville stereotype.
A few of my favorite Nashville bands include Wild Cub, The Weeks, Escondido, Ben Rector and Leagues. Just so you know.
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Emily Green is the Artist Relations Intern whose “likes” on Facebook include Nicholas Sparks, Cougar Town and The Sound of Music. When she’s not beasting on her work here, she can be found watching Hulu or befriending local bartenders for discounted drinks.
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