The Changing Face of Nashville's Music Row :: Ep 54 Try That in a Small Town
The Changing Face of Nashville's Music Row :: Ep 54 Try That in a Small Town  
Podcast: Try That in a Small Town Podcast
Published On: Mon May 05 2025
Description: Remember when Nashville's Music Row was lined with old houses turned publishing companies and studios? When writers walked songs across the street to publishers and artists mingled at the 16th Avenue Café? Those days are fading into memory, replaced by high-rises and corporate offices that barely resemble the creative community that built country music.In this nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation, the guys reflect on Music Row's transformation and what it means for the future of songwriting. Neil shares the surprising story of his spontaneous wedding at the Music Row Wedding Chapel ("We tracked five songs, did vocals and harmonies, and then decided to get married"), while the others reminisce about Nashville landmarks that have disappeared with time.The discussion moves beyond physical changes to the deeper shifts in how music is created and consumed today. When streaming pays fractions of pennies split between multiple songwriters, creating "forever songs" becomes economically challenging. As Kurt explains, "It's hard for songwriters to get excited anymore. I don't get excited if I see somebody putting out a song on social media because you don't make any money." Despite touting millions of streams, many artists struggle to sell concert tickets, revealing the disconnect between digital numbers and real-world impact.Yet through their frustrations, these veteran songwriters demonstrate why they've survived in the business: genuine passion for the craft. Even without financial incentive, the validation of sharing a great song idea with respected collaborators provides enough fuel to keep creating. They propose that giving songwriters a percentage of master recordings might help preserve the quality songwriting that built Nashville's reputation.Whether you're a songwriter, music industry professional, or simply a country music fan, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of Music City. Subscribe now and join the conversation about preserving what matters in music while embracing inevitable change.______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.