This article originally appeared on Soundfly.
So, you've made the decision: You're going to visit Nashville. You're a songwriter or an artist or a band, and you've heard some amazing stories coming out of Music City. You're thinking it's high time to check out this rhinestone-studded, boot-scootin' music mecca that everyone is talking about.
Congratulations on making the latest big decision in your music career! Visiting Nashville (or any other music capital) is proof that you're seriously considering this whole music career thing for real, for real. Making that leap is no small accomplishment.
So while you're planning, keep this in mind: there's a big difference between visiting Nashville, and visiting Nashville to do work and move your career forward. It can be overwhelming when you start thinking of the possible ways to make the most of your time in town. Like, should you make a bunch of copies of your demo and start dropping them off door to door along Music Row? (Pro-tip: No.)
To combat the career-planning anxiety, we've compiled a small bucket list to help you make the most of your trip to Nashville:
Dig into these performing rights organizations (PROs), and see which one feels like a good fit for you. PROs are important because they work to protect your copyrights on your behalf, and collect your royalties from broadcasts and live performances. They also offer a number of other resources, including workshops, shows, events, and meetings with songwriter reps. If you find one you like, join! If you're not sure, set up meetings during your trip.
[How to Get the Performance Royalties You Deserve From Your Tour]
Reps are the little mentor angels from music career heaven. When you're a member, your rep will meet with you, free of charge, answer any and all of your questions, and help you move your career forward. Keep in mind, he or she will set up meetings for you only when he or she thinks you’re ready for those meetings. So don’t be disappointed if your rep doesn’t hook you up with the head of Sony after your first meeting. That person needs to get to know you and your music (and your work ethic) before recommending you to his or her contacts in the industry.
Get all your best songs in order and burn some discs (or bring plenty of copies of your album). They should include three to five songs with all your contact info on the CD and on the case. Bring lyric sheets for each song – multiple copies, each with all your contact info again. Make it easy and clear for someone to get ahold of you if he or she likes your songs!
You'll be handing them out like candy! Include your website, email, phone, social media accounts, or any other way you like to be reached.
[The Simple Guide to Musician Business Cards]
Have a home on the web where people can look you up later. Include bio info, playable songs, and a great photo of yourself on the homepage. While something is better than nothing, be sure your web presence is high quality. If you can't afford a web designer to build your site for you, Sonicbids will let you create a free, professional EPK that you can continue to use even when your subscription has run out. I use mine all. The. Time.
Start reaching out! Publishers, managers, labels, anyone you'd like to try to meet with. Keep these things in mind when cold emailing music industry execs: They will most likely not reply. This is just how it works; don't take it personally. Be kind and polite. Explain your goals and why you'd like to meet.
Do not, I repeat, do not send music without their express permission first!
In your first email, ask if you can send them some songs. If they say, "Sure!" then go right on ahead. If not, do not send them music. Many music industry businesses legally cannot collect unsolicited material, otherwise they put themselves in a sticky situation where they could potentially be sued for copyright infringement. So just don't do it.
Be able to verbalize your goals when someone asks about them: "I'm looking for co-writers to write for an album I'd like to release next year" or, "I'm gigging around the country and selling records on my own, but I'd really love to find a great management team to work with." Or even, "I'm looking to join an awesome crew of staff writers at a publisher and write some of my best songs with them."
Understand that you're going to Nashville to scope out the area and meet some like-minded people, not to sign a record deal. This is not the end-all-be-all of trips – it's reconnaissance.
All that PRO research will pay off when you sit down with your rep. He or she will listen to your music, ask you about your goals, and the two of you will get to know each other. Be kind and humble, and have a great meeting!
Stop by the Music Mill building and pick up a membership with the Nashville Songwriters Association International. A membership with NSAI gets you access to weekly workshops, pitch-to-publisher nights, song critiques, mentor meetings, and a myriad of other opportunities. Jackpot!
If you can attend a workshop or pitch while you're in town, do it. This is where you can network your butt off and gain valuable education in your field.
Much like NSAI, Global Songwriters Connection is a songwriter membership circle that provides one-on-one mentoring, publisher pitch opportunities, workshops, and more. What's different and valuable about GSC is that the interaction you get is customized and highly personal to your particular goals. You can book a mentoring session with President Sheree Spoltore right on their website.
[Nashville is also a great addition to your band's next tour! Plan and book a tour with Soundfly's free course, Touring on a Shoestring.]
Start going to those meetings you set up before you left! Check out demo studios for your songs, get to know the producers, have coffee with managers. Try and find those people who love your music as much as you do. Be open to impromptu meetings, as well. Strike up a conversation with an awesome writer at the bar? Take him out to lunch the next day.
So important! This is the one thing you definitely don't want to neglect. Go see some great live music! If you're a songwriter, go to the writers' nights around town. Songwriter nights are where everyone goes to network and socialize. You can meet co-writers, engineers, players, and all sorts of music makers at writers' nights. If it's a venue you’d like to play at, approach the host or booker and start a conversation with him or her about how you could play next time you're in town.
I suggest checking out the Listening Room, Douglas Corner Cafe, and Wildfire Nights at South. You'll also find some great music playing at the Row restaurant, Bobby's Idle Hour, Winners and Losers, and the Commodore Bar and Grille.
Make an awesome new friend and can't wait to get writing with them? Set it up! Most of the PROs have writers' rooms for their members to use as part of their membership. So does NSAI. Go write a hit!
You’re here for business, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun on your first Nashville trip, too!
Even if you're not a fan of museums, the CMHoF has something for everyone. From contemporary exhibits to a whole interactive wing to Elvis' gold Cadillac, you're sure to have a blast.
Enrich your soul and see an intimate show at the Bluebird. Tickets sell a week ahead, or wait in line for the free show on Sunday night.
[Nashville's Bluebird Cafe: How to Play There and What to Expect]
Drinking, honky tonks, and some of the best musicianship you'll ever hear. Yeehaw!
The backstage tour is so worth it.
There's always something happening in the 'ville, especially in the summer. Check out NashvilleGuru.com to see what’s going on when you're in town.
Sarah Spencer is a singer and songwriter working, living, and playing in Nashville, Tennessee. By day, she is the lead web designer at boutique creative agency for musicians and industry professionals. When she’s not focusing on the web, Sarah spends her evenings writing songs and playing writer’s rounds around town. With a unique combination of experience & skills, she takes to the internet to blog on topics ranging from the music industry and country music, to songwriting and creativity. Her humble labor of love, SongFancy.com, serves as a resource for tools and inspiration about the craft and business of songwriting.