Dave's Directive. #1.

Do you have to be a terrible person to be successful in the music world?

I’ve been playing shows in a band now for 8 years. During those times I’ve met quite an array of characters.

It seems that other musicians are either really nice or total d-bags. I’ve met people from other cities that traveled 10 hours, got to a unpacked club, and were nice beyond belief. If you have ever played a show in Nashville or anywhere else, you really have to appreciate that statement.

Then you meet the band that lives 5 minutes from the club. They arrive, unpack their equipment, play the show, and leave the minute they are done. If they do ask any questions, they usually involve how much they are getting paid, when do they go on stage, or how many people will be there. They don’t care about the other bands and don’t even make an effort to act like they do.

That is what is wrong with Nashville’s music scene. There is no cohesiveness. The formula for operating in the Nashville band scene seems to be, “I’ll get mine and that’s it.”

I honestly feel bad when I have to leave a band’s show. Let me go on record as saying , I feel bad when I leave a band’s show that I think I might enjoy. If I’m booked on a Metal Headbangers Ball Show, I’m probably not going to be feeling that vibe. That’s another problem I could go onto but that would just digress the point, if there even is a point.

It’s a letdown when you see a band leave after playing, especially when you stuck around for their performance. I’ve been in gigs until 3 am waiting for the last band to play. I always thought it was the right thing to do.

So here is what I’m saying to the musicians and bands in Nashville. Have a bit of manners about yourself. Say hello to the other bands you are playing with at a club. I’m not saying you have to invite them over for dinner with your family and name your first child after the lead singer. Let’s cut the bad attitudes that exist and make it fun and friendly.

Your band is probably as good as any other band you share the stage with. Lighten up and let’s all just get along.