THE LONE STAR STATE OF MIND
I wanted to relate a story to you that I heard last week, got restated Saturday night, but is very familiar to many of us from Nashville and elsewhere that try to "dabble" a little in Texas, performing, teaching, trying to intereact with them. This is primarily for Wesley and Justin, but it could give a bit of an overview of the relationship, between Texas and....well, everywhere else.
Now let me start by saying I like Texas. I have generally been treated well, know a LOT of Texas artists, have performed there a few times and I seem to fit in just fine. One of the reasons is that I perform with a blues edged in much of my music and Texas Blues is very big there. On my workshops, I have been treated with grudging respect when they find out that I'm really not trying to force them to change, only "tighten up" what they are trying to do. That songs written elsewhere, particularly Nashville are just SHORTER and MORE DIRECT. And if they are wanting to stay in Texas, they don't have to change a thing.
But I have dealt with a LOT of TEXANS trying to come to Nashville because they feel their community is coming to an end or great change and they feel Nashville might be "easier." And I have seen a lot of people not just from Nashville, but Boston, New York, California, and other places, who have tried to integrate into Texas, only to be given a pretty icy reception. That is what this is about.
A friend of mine is here in town right now. REESE WILSON has been a Nashville hit writer for many years. He has written hit songs for Diamond Rio, Jeff Carson and Tim McGraw. About 8 years ago, he moved to Florida and then to Oklahoma, to find other employment, driving a tour bus, heavy trucks, etc. He was involved in an accident where someone hit him and really messed up his back, but he is recovering. This weekend he was in town, re-kindling some relationships, playing a little bit, and getting back in touch with the town.
He was telling me a story about three years ago, going to Austin at the invitation of some Texas songwriters. He went with CRAIG WISEMAN, who is probably the number one writer in Nashville, with huge hits by Tim McGraw (Live Like You Were Dying) and many many more, and producing and developing Fla. Ga. Line. The guy is a monster. And a good performer.
Reese was telling that when they got to the venue, during sound check, the sound man acted like they were hobos off the street. He was rude, dissmissive, and barely acknowledged them at all. He sort of bullied them around where they would sit, told them to wait their turn, really was a jerk. This behavior was repeated by others at the venue. "OUTSIDERS FROM NASHVILLE!" The EVIIIIILLLLLLLLL!!!!!
They were kind of treated like crap the whole time. So during the show, Reese and Craig, shifted into "ATTACK MODE" and played one number one hit after another, embarrasing the other two guys on stage with them. They barely had anything and were about ready to quit after a couple of songs.
This is an attitude we get a lot from here. And it underscores some of the difficulties in dealing with Texans, and what you Texans need to remember when you make forays here. This enmity has existed for a while and it really is not FROM the Nashville side. Nashville is about people being from EVERYWHERE. There are very few people FROM Nashville and everyone is familiar with being the "outsider." So you are rarely going to get the attitude from us.
I just want you Texans to keep that in mind as you deal with a lot of people from other places. If sometimes you have a little trouble getting co-writes or getting embraced by other places. There are some great things about being a "LONE STAR STATE" and being a rock unto yourself. Nothing wrong with being brave. But you do have to be welcoming to other people. You have to understand that it is common courtesy and being congenial. You can't do anything about your State or people in it. But you can do something about YOU.
I know you guys are just fine, and have had personal dealings with both of you. I'm just wanting to relate a fresh story that illustrates some of the difficulties people face.
Just something to keep in mind.
MAB
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