Digest

This episode of the podcast features a Q&A session with Troy Cartwright, a Nashville-based songwriter and musician. The episode covers a range of topics related to the music industry, including songwriting, publishing deals, and the differences between the music scenes in Nashville and Los Angeles. Troy shares his insights on how to break into the Nashville music scene, emphasizing the importance of writing great songs and networking with other musicians. He also discusses the time commitment required to be a successful artist, highlighting the demanding nature of the industry. The episode concludes with advice on how to approach producers and publishers, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and showcasing your work effectively.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Ollie Question

This Chapter introduces Troy Cartwright and the Q&A episode format. The first question is about Troy's ability to Ollie on a skateboard, which he reveals he never learned to do. He expresses regret about not learning and discusses the potential time it would take to learn now.

00:01:51

Starting from Scratch in Nashville

This Chapter delves into a question about how to start a music career in Nashville with no connections or identity. Troy suggests focusing on writing great songs and attending songwriter rounds to network and gain exposure. He emphasizes the importance of having strong songs and playing them in front of others to get feedback and build connections.

00:06:47

Nashville vs. L.A. Music Industry

This Chapter addresses a question about the differences between the music industries in Nashville and Los Angeles. Troy acknowledges his limited experience in L.A. but shares insights from those who have moved from L.A. to Nashville. He highlights the smaller, more concentrated nature of the Nashville music scene, making it easier to network and build connections through songwriter rounds and other events.

00:13:53

Recording Vocals and Inspiration

This Chapter focuses on a question about Troy's recording process, specifically his ability to capture a flawless vocal take in one try. He explains that this doesn't happen often but emphasizes the importance of recording vocals when feeling most inspired, typically when the song is fresh. He also discusses the value of demo vocals and the importance of capturing that initial inspiration.

Keywords

Q&A

• How can someone break into the Nashville music scene with no connections or identity?

  Troy suggests focusing on writing great songs and attending songwriter rounds to network and gain exposure. He emphasizes the importance of having strong songs and playing them in front of others to get feedback and build connections.

• What are the main differences between the music industries in Nashville and Los Angeles?

  Troy highlights the smaller, more concentrated nature of the Nashville music scene, making it easier to network and build connections through songwriter rounds and other events. He acknowledges his limited experience in L.A. but shares insights from those who have moved from L.A. to Nashville.

• How important is it to be inspired when recording vocals?

  Troy emphasizes the importance of recording vocals when feeling most inspired, typically when the song is fresh. He also discusses the value of demo vocals and the importance of capturing that initial inspiration.

• How can someone approach producers and publishers effectively?

  Troy advises against blindly sending songs to producers. He suggests building relationships by showcasing your work online and engaging with producers on social media. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong online presence and building a connection before making a direct request.

• What is the time commitment required to be a successful artist?

  Troy highlights the demanding nature of the music industry, emphasizing that being a successful artist requires a significant time commitment. He suggests that it's an all-consuming career that requires constant work and dedication.

Show Notes