(From Aaron’s book On Songwriting: Practical Tips and Insights from a Decade in Music City)
I’m often asked by songwriters whether or not they should move to Nashville. I remember asking my Nashville songwriter friends the same question when I lived in Denver. What they (and I) were really asking was, “Do you think I have what it takes?”
As I’m writing this, I’ve lived in Nashville for ten years. I’ve watched people come and go. Dreams realized; dreams crushed.
The thing about both cases is each person became a better songwriter by being here. Any writer who’s been here for a while will tell you the same.
If you want to become a better songwriter, I recommend moving to Nashville. You might already be incredibly talented. If so, your talent will likely be recognized and you’ll become an even stronger force by being here.
But like most of us, you might find out how bad at writing you really are, and moving here will be a wakeup call. The bar is higher. The stakes are higher. It’s like an Olympic training ground for songwriters. You can’t be around that environment and not improve.
If you love songwriting, then becoming a better writer is its own reward. Moving to Nashville will be worth it. If you’re moving to become rich and famous, odds are you’ll be disappointed.
A note of caution: If you move here, you will constantly deal with comparison syndrome. Especially at the beginning. It won’t be easy. There are so many great writers. But once you learn to glean from them instead of compare yourself to them, it will get easier. You’ll find yourself loving the culture instead of resenting it.