Is Nashville Oversaturated? 

I’m really digging you studio guys from Nashville. All the guys I follow from there (Jack Ruch. Brett Papa, Tom Bukovac, Guthrie Trapp) and now Nicky V seem down to earth with no ego. I support all these guys in one way or another from subscribing to their RU-vid channel as well as Patreon and purchasing lessons. I just found your channel today so I’m sure I’ll be contributing to your cause for the work you put in contributing to my cause which is learning guitar. I’m thankful for you guys and the knowledge you share with us all.

I played guitar for a dude who was really good on keyboards. He went to Nashville and came back humbled. The guys and gals out there are cream of the cream. But the best guitarist I ever saw was Scotty Anderson from Kentucky. I don’t think he ever even tried Nashville, but dude is a monster.

That last bit of advise is true and you should take his advise regardless of what business your in

You don’t talk too fast, people listen to slow. Great channel!

Old Nashville joke from a native...me. You know how you get a Nashville guitar player off your porch? Pay for the pizza. LOL

Thank you for the insider baseball on the Nashville scene. Thirty four years teaching and gigging here in Chicago full time. It can be done.

I'm not a musician or writer, but I've always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes part of the business from the musician's perspective. I'm not your target audience, but I really appreciate the content. Thanks!

That victomhood comment was one of the smartest suggestions I’ve ever heard one of you young guys say, awesome

Very few musicians possess the talent that you have. You are one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. It's a major honour to have your epic guitar on our album. No Serial Killer.

we listen to you because you have interesting "insider" information to share, and your audio/video quality is solid.

I love this channel and check it every day for new content, even though I will probably never get to Nashville- it's incredibly interesting. Keep it up!

Great tips! I'm in NE Oklahoma, and a lot of these things still apply here as well. And I don't think you talk too fast on RU-vid. You're one of few people I don't feel the need to watch on 1.5x speed. haha

Dude absolutely dig your videos man. Gives us normal people an inside look at what its like once inside the players realm there. So cool man!! Keep up the good work man. Your guitar playing is beautiful man.

You have so much vital information to share and so little time to get it out. We need to listen faster .

I know I can play, but I think I could be happy just having a job as a backline/cartage/gear tech to get by and jam with some good players. If I get in a session or two once in a while, even if the tunes don't chart - it's better than sitting in a cube lying to people and ripping them off all day.

I like learning about stuff that I know nothing about, and life and work in Nashville is one of them.

The answer to the question is "yes." But it also totally depends on your aspirations. If you're content doing open mics and playing Broadway for door money, then cool. But if your dream is to get "discovered" as an artist, break into the studios, and play the main venues, then its a major gamble. Nashville has some of the best musicians in the world, and they've been there longer than you have and aren't going anywhere any time soon. Unless you're a bass player or drummer, its likely to be a struggle. Fortunately for this creator, he had a contact to vouch for him early on. Few have that right away.

I'm in love with this channel. Thanks Nicky for YOUR time in these videos. Nicky 's videos are like having a positive and knowledgeable "coach". It's perfect for those of us who are" on the outside looking in "at the music industry. You are a blessing, Nicky!

Love your channel you get straight to the point with useful and relevant information no BS and you’re a killer player to top it off keep it up bro💪

Great video, I’m always impressed with the level of dedication and hard work that these working musos have. People don’t realise talent only gets you so far, you need to put in the hours and work to make it full time.

Have we ever paid Apple for using their WiFi? I guess we did through all their stuff we bought over the years. Thanks for the nice memory and the shoutout! Your video gives hope to everyone who wants to work. Now, who are the other two bass players?? Huh? ;-)

All great info. If you are serious you got to go where the game is played.

Hi Nicky! I really enjoy your channel. I know this may be off topic but, I thought you might enjoy this video; 5-Year-Old Chrisyius Whitehead Is A Drumming SAVANT! | Auditions | AGT 2024. This little boy I believe is going places. Have a great day!

Great video Nicky! You da man! Oh and you always need Bass! You guys look pretty, but we make you dance!🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘🤘

I think regardless it’s what you consider “making it”. Some may think playing every weekend playing covers is making it- some may think playing on a major recording label is making it. Also I know many good players but can’t stand being around them more than an hour - compatibility and dependability is key.

Very informative, I love gathering all of the information that you give out.

Awesome share Nicky V! You hit the musician front really well- any additional thoughts re vocalists and volume of work?

Great insights here!

Some have commented that you don't show any ego. As far as I can tell, that has always been part of making it the music business. I weighed that option 30 years ago. I had enough talent but decided to go another way working a regular job and playing part time. Some of the guys I worked with at the time decided to give the music business a go. The ones who made a living at it had great talent, and little ego. I enjoy hearing that it hasn't changed that much.

Love this channel and the content! Keep it up 🙌🏼

Some guys play a style that isn't straight rock, country, jazz, bluegrass, soul, RnB. But is all of that at once. Guys like RJ Ronquillo, Guthrie Trapp , Tom bukovac. There's several others but these are truly my favs. All of them are Very unique and at the same time have this Nashville vibe . Without RU-vid I think maybe I would never discovered them. there's a cristal clear identity in the sound. What is happening right now in Nashville it's cultural movement . And this sound is becoming a music style/genre in itself. And it's a really unique and beautiful music .

That intro was beautifully played. You sir are a true pro!

If I'm not in your phone, it's time :) drums, tracks, MD, bgvs and bass.

I do not think you talk too fast..... because you pronounce words very clearly and are articulate and have a good tone.

Damn Nicky, you knocked it out of the park again! Such a breath of fresh air, luv your insights into the behind-the-scenes of the industry. Keep it up!!! 🎸

Just recently discovered your channel-it’s great ! I sure wish a guy like you were around when i was trying to build a career - I really enjoy listening to how things work in pro circles these days-and i find i can use a lot of your advice, even being a older player ! Thanks !

Probably the best You Tube video on this subject I've seen. Great job !!

Another great video, as always! Jason Webb played on a project I produced in 2007. The guy is INCREDIBLE. The artist was "hearing a horn section" for one of her songs, which for a 10 song/10K project at the time, just wasn't going to happen. Jason broke out an arpeggios on his red Virus and absolutely KILLED it. She completely forgot about a horn section.

Pretty new to the channel so not sure if you talked have talked about it. But a video on the do’s and don’t’s of Networking would be killer!

Always Great to hear from ya!!

Great video Nicky! I know lots of people in Nashville and everyone seems to love it there. Not in the cards for me specifically, but your insight is great and will help many I’m sure !

Great video. The more I see the business dry up here in a small market, the more I'm considering a move. Thanks for the insight. Best.

Just found the channel! Super cool. My only pushback regarding work and the whole ten year town thing would be that it depends on what you’re trying to do… being a player is the most practical choice and the one that you can use to pay your bills… Trying to be an artist or a professional songwriter though, now that’s a whole nother story…also you mention other opportunities like a&r jobs…..that’s a tiny circle and getting one of those jobs is also akin to a lottery win. But yeah to be a player is not that fantastical or anything, it can be done.

Hey Nicky, thank you for the information, just wondering about gigs for other instruments such as a multi-percussionist?

Great video. As a frequent concert goer, I have often wondered about the logistics of some of these "Weekend gig" type tours. For example, if a legacy band based in California comes in for a one off opening act show in Ohio on a Saturday, how is that scheduled and paid out? How is any money being made at all if you are playing a one off in a parking lot opening for Winger or whatever? I love these bands, but I'm curious.

I wanted to be a Nashville musician but the market is to much competition so I went to Asheville instead and it’s a lot better and similar.

Your abject honesty is easy to see. AND, you can play!

“Nashville Cats” by John Sebastian comes to mind.

I love your channel dude. This might be my first RU-vid comment haha but what you’re bringing is so refreshing and interesting I lived in Nashville for ten years and wish I had this advice when I first moved there! I hope you keep posting more music content too I loved the substitution video! Some of the best players I have seen downtown always used delay in a way that was very mysterious to me. I’d love to see a video where you breakdown some pedal settings to nail those slapback clean tones!

Good stuff - thank you for posting....I know probably being younger is better to try and make the move but what age may someone be too old. For example, could a 40 - 45 year old move out there and have a decent chance, especially if they have the skills and most important, a great personality?

I love that you share the “really really”.

You are kicking a$$ with these types of videos! I would like to see a video about how they recorded a record in the 60s and 70s versus today?

Do you have Brent Mason and Bryan Beller in your phone?!! Those guys are great.

Construction is supposed to be starting on a huge production, practice, facility like Soundcheck but even more enormous. Supposed to be over on the East bank somewhere. I only mention because it will only attract more bands to base operations in Nashville. Could be some nice jobs too for people in that field.

All very well said.

Great video. I am from Sydney Australia so your free wifi from the Apple store really made me laugh. If you are in Sydney again here's a tip, go the McDonalds next door, you can pick up the Apple wifi from there sometimes! ;) I am a keyboardist/pianist, unfortunately not coming to Nashville. But I've been asked to play for a country artist here, can you recommend any keyboardists I should listen to to help with that modern country style? (Ive already noted Jason Webb!)

Great Information Thanks Bass here

As always, awesome info. Thanks!!

Are there gear expectations from individuals who call for players? I guess this goes back to the struggle between Amps or Helix? And do certain bands provide any type of gear that they require for their shows? I love this channel! lol it’s finally answering all the age old mysteries! And I guess another question is, how’s the guitar tech scene for all this ?

Thanks Nicky, for another great video!! Keep em coming. Your content is filling a void, I wish there were videos like these when I first came to town! How much of an advantage did your previous professional music experience give you when you first moved to town? When I moved to Nashville, I had 0 professional experience even though I had played music for nearly 20 years. I’m happy with the wins I’ve had so far, but I feel like I’ve had a slower start because I’m still trying to build my confidence. I would love to hear your thoughts on healthy expectations for guys in my situation, thanks bro!

Good stuff Nicky! Cheers!!

chords with exponents, Yeah!

Great video!

Nicky V!! Cheers from Davey B...Great vid.

Another very interesting video ----

How is AI affecting the industry, especially people like you? That would make an interesting video.

Love your videos Nicky. Would you say learning the major scales and modes is a necessity to be advanced on guitar?

It must be, because the last time I shipped an amp that went through Nashville it was "lost" in the shipping service's warehouse. No doubt a guitarist who worked there misplaced it in his trunk.

wish there was a serious jazz scene there...

How about pedal steel players? Is that more seldom than keyboard? I know they’re two different vibes and people probably have only one or the other (or fiddle)..would love to hear your thoughts about that. Loving the channel!

Not trying to talk down about nashville at i love this city and it's home. Just want to provide a prospective from a guy who doesn't work in country music anymore. I don't if it's oversaturated but I do believe it's overrated and it's not necessary to live in any of the 3 big cities to play at a really high level with a list artist, especially if you're not wanting to work in country music. Country music does the weekend warrior where you only do shows 3 or 4 days in a row and come home for a few days. Because of that you need to be in nashville which is great if you don't want to be on the road for a few weeks/months at a time. Most acts that tour outside of nashville don't really care where you're based as long as you can get to an airport. All the acts i work with with the exception of one have band and crew all over the country and even in other countries. Not to say at all that one way is better than the other. Just depends on what you want. I also don't agree that most artist gigs leave out of nashville. I think it just seems that way when you live in nashville and work in the country world. The internet has made it possible to be anywhere. I also believe theirs a lot of good touring musicians nashville misses out on because they lean on the weekend warrior thing so hard.

Good stuff bro 👏🏼

Hey Nick, I'm David, singer song writer, St Petersburg Florida, writing about the burg, people and place, Nashville vibe, home town feel, would you read some of my lyrics, WTF 727 great videos thanks

Love the info ! What’s the market like for fiddle down there ?? On the mainstream stuff it seems like it is a dying art form, but every time I’ve been down there I see a lot of them playing on Broadway although it’s been quite a few years since I have. How difficult is it to get into the Broadway scene? I played fiddle in a country cover band up here in Indiana, but they retired a few years ago …. I definitely don’t have the skill set for a touring gig or studio, but in bars and clubs yes and really would only want to do occasional Broadway stuff even during the day if somebody needed a fill-in here and there etc

Is my brother Griffin one of the 7 keyboardists in your phone? If not he should be 😂 he’s at Robert’s every other Sunday. Tell him I say hi!

Hi Nicky, Dan Neave here from Australia, hope you’re well mate. Do you think fiver would work well for my pedal steel and harmonica services or is there other platform I should look at? Also any tips on recording my 2 instruments for artists remotely that come to mind? I am a part of the CMAA in Australia and keen to start doing more online recording for artists. Regards, Dan

Great video as always Nicky, I was curious on how old is to old to dive into this for a career? And how do you get a job driving the bus? This may be good questions for video content. Thanks as always God Bless.

See, I moved to Nashville when I was 20. A hip young guitar slinger who didn’t know shit about shit. This was nearly 20 years ago so there was no RU-vid… I networked and found a band on MySpace that needed guitar and headed up to Tennessee. We had success quickly, but the pressure and people’s self interests broke up the band overnight… literally while I was asleep. Lol So after that I took some auditions on music row as a live performance guitarist… quickly found myself in 3 groups… found I couldn’t juggle those and quickly found myself back in just one… I was working with a folk singer… she didn’t have a band, so we went out to a bar in Murfreesboro and saw another band. We liked them and stole them from the singer who we were seeing that night. Such bad karma. That band went on tour and had some moderate success before the guys who we’d brought in kicked me out. Damn bruh! lol By the time I’d left the city I was playing in a metal band in an un-air conditioned storage unit on the outskirts of the south side. I did have fun and met some really wonderful people… and I met a lot of snakes too… but at the end of the day I was just young and stupid and made some questionable decisions. Now I’m just a big fish. Lol Best,

Im a experienced country guitarist from Texas in my 30s, if i was to move to Nashville soon, what it be really difficult to get hired for gigs not knowing all the broadway songs, let alone they nashville way of doing them?

It was once said you throw a tissue on a street corner in Nashville and hit two or three great musicians 😂

Have ou checked out Justin Ostrander's channel? Seems like he is a session guitarist that is pretty busy. He has played on several hits.

Maybe in another lifetime 😢.

Perty tele! Favorite

Texas has country music. Tennessee now has watered down rap.

Guess steel players is a specialized area? Are there many new Steelers entering market?

100000000% yes.

How do you feel the market is for fiddle players in Nashville? Similar to keyboardists?

Short answer is YES Long answer is YES.

Yep about ten years ago

I play keys and pedal steel!

Im a keyboardist!:)))

👍🎸

Are there any websites you'd recommend for learning the Nashville number system ?

❤

what about the saturation of singers???

People can slow down the video if they feel you talk too fast. No issues here.

In my 20 years there it’s saturated with songwriters and musicians making more money off of tourists, new writers and new musicians than from the pro music industry. Not sure about the guitarist market, but new songwriters better be educated on not paying for too many services other than a pro demo service when your song is strong enough to demo. You can spend a fortune on mentor services trying to survive themselves, teaching you how they done it. The competition is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Try to Find a honest mentor/ friend if possible who doesn’t see you as a $$$ and gives you free advice. I’m Not being negative, just honest. Ask me how I know. Great video by the way.

I'm also following a young guitarist in Nashville who recently made a video telling what people earn doing gigs...including road shows for major stars by the decade. The pay was relatively low if you broke it down by hour. It's low...because economics dictate that wages rise with demand...and drop when there is an excess of job-seekers vs demand. Market forces don't lie.

So as a drummer I have a question...do most venues have house kits or is the drummer responsible for bringing a kit + hardware?

I dont see any stevie ray vaughns...being produced.