Avoiding getting Cancelled in Nashville's music scene can be a tightrope, especially when personal politics and come into play. My recent experience with backlash over selling a collection of Nashville Number Charts taught me invaluable lessons about community dynamics and the importance of clear communication.
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Understanding the Controversy:
I compiled and offered for sale a package of over 4,000 Nashville Number Charts, many of which were freely available online. My intention was to provide a well-organized, easily accessible resource for musicians, particularly those new to Nashville. However, this move was perceived by some as monetizing community-shared resources, leading to significant criticism.
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Insights from Fellow Musicians
In conversations with seasoned Nashville musicians, Logan Hatcher and Tyson Leslie, several key points emerged:
Community Sensitivities: Logan emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting the unspoken rules within the local music community. Actions perceived as self-serving can lead to swift backlash.
Handling Criticism: Tyson shared his approach to facing public criticism—acknowledging mistakes, avoiding knee-jerk reactions, and letting actions demonstrate growth over time.
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Lessons Learned
Transparency is Crucial: Clearly communicate your intentions and ensure that your actions align with community values.
Seek Feedback: Before introducing new initiatives, consult with trusted members of the community to gauge potential reactions.
Respond Thoughtfully: In the face of criticism, take time to reflect before responding. Aim to understand the concerns raised and address them constructively.
Value Community Over Competition: Recognize that the strength of Nashville's music scene lies in its collaborative spirit. Contributing positively to this environment benefits everyone.
Moving Forward
This experience underscored the importance of humility and continuous learning. By engaging in open dialogues and being receptive to feedback, we can navigate challenges and foster a more supportive music community.
For those interested in a deeper dive into these conversations, I'll be sharing excerpts from my interviews with Logan and Tyson in upcoming videos. Stay tuned for more insights on handling personal politics in the music industry.
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Chapter Markings:
0:00 - Introduction: The Moment Everything Changed
Waking up to unexpected backlash
The intensity of online criticism
Why this video needs to be made
1:45 - What Actually Happened?
The Nashville Number Charts package: what it was and why I created it
Helping musicians vs. perceived exploitation
The backlash and accusations
4:30 - The Nashville Music Scene & Unwritten Rules
How Broadway in Nashville operates
The culture of community-sharing and where I misstepped
Why some musicians were upset
7:15 - The Ultimate Guitar Double Standard
Many musicians pay for Ultimate Guitar—so why not this?
The difference between big platforms vs. a peer selling charts
Addressing misconceptions about what I was selling
9:30 - Handling the Fallout & My Initial Response
My panic attack and decision to step away
Posting a response—why it didn’t matter
Realizing that people had already made up their minds
11:15 - Learning from Logan Hatcher & Tyson Leslie
Logan’s experience with public backlash and how he rebounded
Tyson’s advice on weathering controversy in the music business
What I learned from both conversations
14:00 - Lessons from This Experience
Separating valid criticism from online outrage
The importance of in-person relationships over social media groups
Understanding that you can’t please everyone
16:15 - Moving Forward: My Next Steps
How I’m adjusting my approach to community engagement
Focusing on my work rather than defending my reputation
Creating spaces for real conversations, not just arguments
18:00 - Closing Thoughts
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Final reflections and what I hope viewers take away
Encouraging musicians to support each other
Where to find the full interviews with Logan & Tyson
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