Johnny T, Jonny D, and the 'Bama... | Music City Unsigned Blog

Two years ago, when I first jumped on the MySpace bandwagon and began receiving heartfelt words of encouragement from fans... it often struck me as incomprehensible how strangers from every corner of the globe could be so overwhelmingly supportive. So...... NICE, if you will. :) That these people whom I'd never met, never spoken with beyond a casual email or two would choose to offer up words of encouragement far beyond those given, oftentimes, by even my closest friends and family... I didn't know what to make of it. And, I can honestly say my somewhat jaded outlook on life (borne of years spent working in this goofy industry) took a serious hit. :) Since that time, the support has not only continued but GROWN, and whereas my former jaded self might have doubted the sincerity... I can now happily say I'm no longer surprised. I AM surprised and bolstered by the fact that so much positivity gets sent my way... but no longer surprised that people have the capacity for such kindness. Truly a brilliant turn of events.

Which leads me to the point of this blog. About eight months ago, the guys at Musiccityunsigned approached me asking if they could use my song 'Catch Your Fall' in their upcoming podcast. Given that any exposure is generally good exposure (well... almost any :), I figured... why not? Their site looked great, they'd already reviewed some talented local artists (e.g. Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes, etc.), and they seemed like really good guys. So, we gave them the mp3 of 'Catch Your Fall' and they put it in rotation. Got some good feedback, traded a couple emails, but figured that was the end of it. Mmmmmm... no. Four months later, they came back again to ask if I'd be up for playing their 96.3 JACK-fm/Music City Unsigned show at the Tin Pan South music festival. Wanted to put me on the most popular bill with three of the most successful artists in Nashville (at one of the coolest clubs, no less). My reaction was... "Wait... really? Oh... ok. Sign me up!" The show went swimmingly, the other artists were great to work with, and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with the MCU guys after the show. Drinks all around... But again... figured that was the end of it. Mmmmmmmm....... no. Two weeks later, they came back yet AGAIN to ask if I'd be up for doing one of their spotlight artist segments. Would I mind spending a night at a resort in Alabama (getting my own swanky private cottage in the process), doing a few of my songs, and answering some interview questions. Oh yeah, and if I wanted, I could bring my wife/kids along to play at the beach. At this point I'm thinking "Hold on... seriously? Did I give you a backrub in a former life or something? No? Ok... well, whatever the reason... absolutely! I'm in!!!"

So, just to recap... podcast + prestigious show + spotlight artist video. My music has been exposed to countless new listeners, I've received copious love from existing fans, and working with the MCU guys has been nothing short of outstanding. And, to add to the already long list of benefits to me as an artist, I think it bears noting that these guys haven't made a DIME off of me. If anything, they've probably SPENT money to promote not only my music but the music of other independent artists in the Nashville area (exhibit A - the steak dinner they bought my daughter despite her insistence on eating only ketchup). So, why do they do this? Why do they work countless hours to promote artists who frequently fall 'under the radar' of mainstream music? Because they love songs. Because they believe in supporting artists. And, because they hope to build a network of musicians/fans who will support one another and nurture great music in Nashville. They COULD spend their time promoting the hottest new band or artist and probably gain far more for themselves in the process. But, instead they choose to promote that which they believe in. And, isn't that what music is supposed to be about?

Ok. At this point, I'm bordering on idol-worship, so I'll just leave it at... I really do respect the hell outta these guys. Through all my years in music, it's been rare that I meet people with whom I form lasting friendships. Maybe musicians are a little too self-focused... maybe I'm just a loner... whatever the case may be, when I DO happen upon people like John and Jon, it's always a welcome thing. Given the transient nature of the music industry, people tend to come and go, but I really think these guys are gonna be around for years to come. They're in it for the right reasons, and if you're an artist living/working in the Nashville area... you should definitely get to know them. They'll support you like none other. If you're a music fan... you should get to know them too. :) Not only will they turn you onto great music, but judging by the number of times I blew snot out of my nose in hysterical laughter on the 'Bama trip... I can honestly say... they're just funny as s***.

To my new friends Johnny T and Jonny D... *raises glass*... thanks for the memories. :)

Gavin

ps - Special thanks to Ryan Russell for working sound at the Alabama shoot (you did a fantastic job, man...).

Justin Branam & KICKSTARTER

MCU artist Justin Branam is working on a new record, and you can help!