The Nashville Effect

Let me tell you about something I call the Nashville Effect.

No one sits you down to teach this lesson. You earn it over time. It is something I have noticed with the limited exposure I’ve had with Nashville and her never-ending supply of otherworldly talent since I first dipped my toes into this way of life almost 30 years ago. This thing that I call the Nashville Effect is in the same philosophy as Notre Dame football in the sense that:

You’ve put in the work.
You’re ready for the moment.
Act like you’ve been here before.

It is a bit different with music compared to football. No one is trying to physically drive you into the ground, and half the audience isn’t hoping for you to get embarrassed by the other people sharing the stage with you. However, as musicians and performers we face all kinds of adversity when we do it live, when we are recording, setting up, tearing down, and everything in between.

Feedback.
Traffic on the way to the gig.
A surly sound guy.
A bad connection in your guitar that decides to act up at show time.
Forgotten gear.
The ex in the crowd that decided they missed you.
The report sitting on your desk that you should have done before your gig.
Your spouse's birthday that is happening right now.

And a million other distractions come into play.

All of those scenarios are not fun. But what if they didn’t matter?
What if you decided they didn’t?

Think about it. If you accept that setbacks are inevitable, you can begin to navigate through them like they don’t exist. Your audience will never know there was an issue, but people that are aware — your organizers, promoters, sound guys — will notice and take note.

I have a simple list to help you manage the moments that seem unmanageable.

1. Understand that we are all in this together.
   I cannot emphasize this enough. You, your band, the sound guy, the staff, the owner, even the freaking audience are all in on the same show. Everybody wants it to be unforgettable. Feed off of that.

2. Smile.
   Do it! Find someone or something and smile, laugh. Force it if you have to. It will break the negative thought process. If it’s feedback, make it a joke. “I hear a goose on stage here with us”.

3. Is this going to matter?
   In 5 years will the fact that my opening song had feedback at this gig while the sound guy was dialing it in matter? No. It will not unless you make it matter. This goes for life too. It won’t matter in 5 years that someone cut you off in traffic... let it go!

4. Pause.
   If things are bordering on too much. If you find yourself getting frustrated and you cannot keep your composure... Pause. Breathe. Reflect. A minute can feel like an eternity or a nanosecond when you are on stage. It is kind of up to you to control that. If you need to communicate with your band, sound guy, or anyone that can help the situation, do it calmly and again understand we are all in it together. Your input is helping the rest of your team understand the issue.

5. Do Not Bring Everyone’s Attention to Whatever the Issue Is –
   The audience will never know if you do not tell them. I mean if you fall off the stage, you probably want to tell everyone you are ok and ask if anyone has any video of it.

6. Perspective –
   This could always be number one and kind of is, but it applies in the grand scheme of things. Ask yourself, “Do I Enjoy This?” If the answer is “YES!” embrace it. ALL OF IT!!! You literally make an inanimate object sing, or you personally sing, or you do both. That is unbelievable. You get to play for people and make a little money to support your passion. I understand it isn’t always easy, but we are beyond fortunate to be music makers and songwriters. Try to always remember that.

7. Stay focused.
   I’ve said this before. Out of 10 shows you are going to have a best one and a worst one. Maybe you are a little off or have a cold. Sometimes the crowd isn’t the most receptive. The weather makes everyone stay home. Any number of factors can influence your show. Give your best, learn from the experience, and be ready to make your next show your best.

I know I have my moments, both good and bad, just like everyone else. But these past years I’ve made great progress in my craft and learned so much by observing the people I work with. I can tell you that every single Nashville performer and songwriter that has crossed my path has done it with a smile. Even when I felt I deserved a tongue lashing for causing a hiccup, it was beyond a pleasure to deal with them.

I mean, I’ve had things go BAD.

And the way those moments were handled?
I would go into a burning building to do their sound tonight if they needed me.

I cannot tell you exactly why there is a noticeable attitude or way that created the Nashville Effect, but I have my theories. I believe it’s a little bit of that Southern hospitality or charm crossed with good business. The streets of Nashville are lined with plenty of stars waiting for their opportunity, and making a good impression makes all the difference.

Talent is everywhere.
We can all play.
But the ones who last are the ones who are kind, composed, and professional in every situation.

That is the Nashville Effect.