Remember when Nashville's Music Row was lined with old houses turned publishing companies and studios? When writers walked songs across the street to publishers and artists mingled at the 16th Avenue Café? Those days are fading into memory, replaced by high-rises and corporate offices that barely resemble the creative community that built country music.In this nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation, the guys reflect on Music Row's transformation and what it means for the future of songwriting. Neil shares the surprising story of his spontaneous wedding at the Music Row Wedding Chapel ("We tracked five songs, did vocals and harmonies, and then decided to get married"), while the others reminisce about Nashville landmarks that have disappeared with time.The discussion moves beyond physical changes to the deeper shifts in how music is created and consumed today. When streaming pays fractions of pennies split between multiple songwriters, creating "forever songs" becomes economically challenging. As Kurt explains, "It's hard for songwriters to get excited anymore. I don't get excited if I see somebody putting out a song on social media because you don't make any money." Despite touting millions of streams, many artists struggle to sell concert tickets, revealing the disconnect between digital numbers and real-world impact.Yet through their frustrations, these veteran songwriters demonstrate why they've survived in the business: genuine passion for the craft. Even without financial incentive, the validation of sharing a great song idea with respected collaborators provides enough fuel to keep creating. They propose that giving songwriters a percentage of master recordings might help preserve the quality songwriting that built Nashville's reputation.Whether you're a songwriter, music industry professional, or simply a country music fan, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of Music City. Subscribe now and join the conversation about preserving what matters in music while embracing inevitable change.
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