I've managed to fill just about every minute from 9am til late. If I get through this in reasonable condition it'll be a testament to endurance - not to mention a near miracle! Still, no point in being here if I don't make the most of it.
With lots of delegates departing in a couple of days, I'm keen to get the message out to as many as possible.
First-up meeting with Jonathan Little who works for famous music research/marketing company Troy. He's trying to get backing for an online Americana/roots radio station that'll be syndicated world-wide. Has a great reputation in this community and it all sounds very exciting. He's interested in finding potential investors in Australia, but is a great fan of our music and keen to program as much as possible. Could be a great outlet if it comes off. We'll keep in touch.
Panels and then off to grab a reviving caffeine.
As I stand in line, I can't help but reflect on the sad state of that noble beverage since Starbucks became the 'owners' of coffee in this land. The people in front of me are ordering Raspberry Mochachinos, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Caramel Soy Latte.... yuk! Fortunately, you can still get a double-shot Espresso with warm milk on the side. It's still Starbucks, but does the trick.
Chatting with fellow queue-members - as you do, I learn that we're sharing the Convention Centre with 500 young women from the National Slumber Party Association. In my antipodean innocence, I inform them that in Australia, children tend to organise their own sleepover/slumber parties. They smile and hand me a card. It's slumber parties for adults! "Games, edible oils, toys ....." The Tupperware party sure has come a long way!
Down to one of the 'honky tonks' on Broadway which has been taken over by Canadian record company Six Shooter to showcase their artists. Free food is always an inducement, so the place is packed. I get to see the panellists from the previous day strut their musical stuff. Very impressive indeed.
Manage to catch a few words with Susan de Cartier who manages a couple of the artists and sister Shauna who runs Six Shooter and set up a meeting for later in the day.
Off then for a personal tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame with local journalist and Hall of Fame events organiser Michael McCall. Very good of him to spare the time, and I'm there for the special Hank Williams exhibition. Astonishing to make such a mark in so few years, and it's fascinating. I'd been before, but Michael's insights are the icing on the cake. It's a fabulous facility and experience, and there's so much that's part of my musical life too - not to mention childhood, growing up with the singing cowboys. As a dutiful 'child of the 60s', I pay homage to the memory of Gram Parsons and move on.
Terrific meeting with Jeannie Smith who manages Sarah Borges - terrific young singer who performed on the Awards as one of the 'Emerging Talent' nominees. She's generously offered to give me an 'Americana 101' briefing from a manager's perspective and it's fascinating. We'll keep in touch and she's offered to help with future plans.
Catch up with the de Cartier sisters and we swap stories & info about the Canadian/Australian scenes.
I talk to them about the possibilities of some Canadian gigs if we realise the plan to bring a bunch of Aussies to Americana next year. They offer to help - as I do with any plans to tour Australia. Good to make the contact.
Off to another venue to partake in some more hospitality, this time offered by Beetroot Records who are releasing an 'East Nashville' compilation. This former 'middle-class fallen on hard times' area is fast gaining a reputation as the creative hub of the indie music community, and there's an amazing variety of music on display - including Tom Mason my host for much of this visit.
I'm also here to meet up with Todd Mayo who will produce the new 'Music City Roots - Live from the Loveless Cafe' program on WSM that everyone's so excited about.
As they are very keen to promote their web-based version of WSM, he's very receptive to featuring Australian artists and suggests that a 'Downunder' special to promote visiting Australians for the next Americana is a distinct possibility. I'll visit the Loveless Cafe before I go to check out the venue.
Pause for breath - and food, and then off for another dose of great music. So hard to choose when you want to see everything! Thank god for the shuttle!
Tonight it's promising singer/songwriter Angeleena Presley - one of TenTen's young team who's had a number of recordings by Australian country artists; the legendary Buddy Miller; dobro player extroadinaire Jerry Douglas; Hot Club of Cowtown, and the Bottlerockets. All great!
No comments:
Post a Comment