Growing up in the south, I can attest that this is very odd for a southern city. I picture a place which is warm, modest, laid-back, and content, but Nashville is cold, corporate, uptight, and pretentious. People are not social, so you should move with a friend or know a few when you get there. For a single, young professional transplant looking to meet new friends and be in a lively city, this is a terrible option. The night life is non-existent, unless you enjoy loud, abrasive cover bands playing bland country song wherever you go and are okay paying $5 per beer. If you're an attractive female, you'll be sure to get attention, but you know what the end goal is for people in those interactions. Otherwise, people shut pretty much everything else out. Fake has been used to describe the people, and I get that. Not many genuine smiles or indications of people being content or friendly. Just the typical plastic flight attendant expression from most people, not much sign of life there. Most people in the service industry, stores, etc. who greet you (if they even acknowledge your presence) seem like they would rather be doing anything but. I've been shocked at the number of shopping outlets I have visited in which nobody acknowledged my presence. This is a big destination for musicians, but the pretentious attitude carries over to them as well, as most will want to have a p***ing contest as to how many tours and labels each has been on, and will generally shoot down the idea of collaborating. It's all about the money for them, so if you're looking to be a creative musician and put together an original band, look elsewhere. They mainly want to form cover bands so they get exposure and hopefully meet people on Broadway who know of a professional who needs a new backup guitarist, etc. There are venues for original acts, but the support for the bands at these places is no more than you'll find at most other cities. So agreed, it's basically a big tourist attraction so it's good for a visit, but that's it. It's suffocating if you're used to a place with any sort of authenticity or personality.
Austin | Nashville, TN | Report Abuse