Can you make it as a non-country musician in nashville? (title, venues)

[mscbrown]

I want to be a neo soul singer for lack of better words...i know some people HATE that title

I would love to be a jill scott. make some hits, tour, and be left the hell alone in between time and just have a loyal following. I dont want to be a super star that comes with too many negatives

is that popular here or should i get my guitar and listen to some keith urban??

[ziggy2022]

Sort of odd question, but yes.

[mscbrown]

^^why is it odd??

[nashvols]

Plenty of non-Country acts have "made it" here. There's an audience for pretty much everything if you know where to look.

Most Nashvillians aren't the Country Music stereotype. Yes, it is popular here (though no more popular than rock/pop or rap/hip hop among younger folks), but it's not dominant. There are plenty of people with eclectic tastes and enjoy a wide range of music.

I would first look to find WHERE your type of music is being played, then go from there.


Did a quick internet search...you might try asking the same question here and see what they suggest:

Funk and Soul music in Nashville... - Nashville Music Pros

[BirdieBelle]

When I first saw your thread title, I thought, "Of course! You would have a BETTER chance making it as a non-country musician here."

Then I read "neo-soul."

While Nashville is far more than country, I just don't see a very big audience here for a Jill Scott-type performer. That would mean a dearth of venues where you might get exposure labels that would sign and develop you as well.

[ziggy2022]

Originally Posted by mscbrown

^^why is it odd??

Nothing negative, just seemed like an odd question since this is the music city - not the coutry music city. There are so many different wonderful artists from a vast array of disciplines here, it just struck me as odd because it's ALMOST a "no-brainer". This isn't coming across as very constructive, but I assure you there's only positive energy coming from over here. Good luck in your musical journey. Take a listen to "Lightning 100.1fm" if you are in Nashville. They play a lot of local music. They also have a great playlist feature on their website as well.