Music City's Biggest Month

So far I'm loving Next Big Nashville, and I'm hearing folks say it's the Other Nashville music festival/conference the city has been attempting and needing for years. I had a good feeling about NBN just from knowing co-organizer Jason Moon Wilkins from journalism and sensing that he has high standards for how music should sound and how it should be presented.

Thursday I had a great time moderating a panel about the psychology of artist management with some giants of the business who were not shy about telling pretty amusing stories about everyone from Kid Rock to Slash to Everlast, who turns out to be a frightening shit for brains. That morning's What Does Nashville Need? panel threw some ideas and attitude around. I liked Big Fella's optimism and clear thinking. I haven't seen a ton of music so far, though I'm set to see a lot tonight. At The Basement on Thursday night I saw a few acts who work with the ultra discerning producer Neilson Hubbard. I was really glad to get a chance to see Judd & Maggie in person after meeting them last spring and getting into their Kingdom of Noise EP. Their harmonies are completely enthralling. I very much enjoyed Megan McCormick and Audrey Spillman. Yesterday's Digital Nashville patio hang at the ICON was brilliant for the company and the view. And in one of those synergistic music fest happenings, my pal Roger Nichols told me about his latest studio project, Mean Tambourines, and there they were today rocking tightly at Grimey's backyard beer fest and record sale. I found a record that changed my life, one I'd never had in any form other than casette, on prime condition vinyl for a dollar. Also found some sweet Les Paul, Ricky Skaggs and an obscure DJ named Sientific American.

So music festival month is fully under way, with the Americana Music Association gathering to follow this week and the International Bluegrass Music Assn. soon thereafter. This is Nashville at its most extraordinary.