Eli Young Band Gets a Little Nervous in Nashville
The Eli Young Band spent a few days in Nashville last month with a show prior to the CMA Awards and a guest spot on the Grand Ole Opry. The Texas band, who had a Top 40 hit this year with "When It Rains," carried along a video camera to share the experience. Check it out. They're not afraid to admit that they're a little nervous.
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RedMaZ says:
Congratulations Eli Young Band. You did great.
Kim says:
Don’t blame them one bit for being nervous. Nashville has a tendency to treat TX artists like a red-headed step child just because they aren’t from the oh-so-superior Nashville scene. Like our music is cheap or second rate in comparison. Like its such a surprise to find talent in Austin (or in their case Denton). Texas has just as good or better home grown music, and a huge music culture and all the pride to go with it. Real Texas pride doesn’t seem to be welcome in Nashville. People in Nashville want artists true to their country heritage, but almost demand people from TX abandon theirs for Nashville (just ask Pat Green). Its really angering. The headline above is a great example. EYB is a great band and they are confident here in TX. why should they be so nervous in Nashville? because Nashville is against them from the get-go because they refuse to play Nashville ball. and then the politics of Nash-vegas stop their music from expanding.
Stay true guys! You’ll always be welcome at home!
luvncountry says:
Then why bother with Nashville if they know the reception they are more likely to get? If all’s Nashville is interested in is Pop country acts for the most part, that is not the ONLY means of recognition I’m assuming. People who know their music, and what they like, will go to the places they know they will find it. Are Roots/Americana artists by and large ignored by Nashville itself, or just the main- stream country exec’s, publishers, record co’s, etc? I wouldn’t think ANY alt country act (non-mainstream/pop) would CARE if they are recognized or depend on them to be highly marketed, otherwise, they just join the fray.
Kim says:
Are you saying that because parts of Nashville are hostile, bands like EYB should just forget being a national name? That’s not fair. I’m not sure I understood all of what you’re trying to say. I wasn’t talking pop vs. roots.
The EYB (and others) is not looking for Nashville industry to recognized or promote them. they want them to stand aside and let them promote themselves, as they always have but on as national scale. But Nashville is the national country outlet; there’s almost no way around it. The overwhelming attitude (admittedly not everywhere) in Nashville is seems to me is that TX bands are second rate. Nashville acts surprised when an EYB or Pat Green or Randy Rogers or Zach Brown starts getting national attention, through grassroots mostly, and without their help. when that happens, Nashville seems to do everything they can to keep them down Because they refuse to be a part of their industry. Its not fair to me, and it really makes me mad. Nashville seems territorial.
luvncountry says:
No Kim, I am NOT saying these bands don’t deserve attention or accolades/national fame, I’m saying since they may not find it in Nashville, why is it important to be there? Fans of whatever artist will listen to them regardless of where they are, and if Nashville is indeed squashing them, then they need to find an alternative. Our radio plays Pat Green when he has material & Zach Brown Band also gets regular airplay with their single. Our radio station IS Top 40 mainstream country, but they highlight new music regularly.
It isn’t fair, but is it worth the headache banging your head on the wall? What’s keeping these artists (and others) from getting their stuff promoted nationally when Nashville isn’t doing it? I’m just wondering, not making waves.
Andrew says:
Love to see EYB making their market on the national scene. You won’t catch a better live show on the road these days and Jet Black & Jealous is a great album to showcase what we’ve known in Texas for years now. The Eli Young Band is bound for huge success. Take a listen and see for yourself!