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Category: Nashville

The Formula to write a hit song…

Written by jessesantoyo
Wednesday, 31 August 2011 06:56
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When I moved to Nashville it was to become a better song writer. I wanted to be surrounded by amazing writers and artists. It was scary at first. It felt like I was walking into a field of Giants. It’s pretty amazing to see how much talent is in Nashville. It’s a bit overwhelming. The best advice I got when I first moved was from an inspiring dude named Randy Elrod.  He said, “In a town like Nashville you are either can work to be the best at what you do or you’re going to quit.” I really had no other option to  work on my craft. I want to become the best song writer I can be. I want to write songs that connect and  inspire people. I want to write songs that will make you want to dance. I want to write songs that will never get old. I want to write songs that my kids will love to sing. I want to write songs that will challenge us. So now that I was in Nashville I had to find the formula to do it… I was in the right town right?

I was fortunate to write with a few great writers and friends. I got see them in action. I got to see how they get inspired. I got to see the method to their creative madness. As I studied them, studied songs and continued to work on my music I got stuck. I had writers block. I was more inspired to quit then to continue the journey of writing better material. It just wasn’t happening. What worked for others wasn’t working for me…I felt the pressure of having to write like everyone else did. So what happened? I was going in circles searching for a formula and my notebook had the same blank page…

Sometimes inspiration comes from a vintage guitar. I wrote "City Lights" with it...Mutemath wrote a few hits with it.

I finally sat in my office and started thinking of my journey from Chicago to Miami and Nashville. I started thinking about my wife and boys. I started thinking about all the things that move ME. All the things that hurt ME.  All the things that have made ME who I am today. I started writing these thoughts down. I picked up my guitar, closed my eyes and just started striking random notes that eventually became chords. Before you know it I had a song. Days after that I was driving home one night when I saw an old broken down house on the road. I picked up my iPhone and began to record the sounds and melodies that were triggered by this. I got home, picked up my guitar and began to write, before the night was over I had a song.  Another time I was at an event where the room was full of artists. I didn’t know anyone in the room. If you know me well, I am not too social at first. I’m a bit shy, at first.  Sometimes I don’t have  the courage to walk up and introduce myself to complete strangers. So I thought to myself…”Have you ever felt alone, in a crowded room?” That night I went home and wrote the song “Have you ever.” You’ll hear it very soon on my EP.

What have I learned? Though there are standard structures  for a song,  there is no real formula to writing a great song! You need to ask yourself, What moves you? What stirs up your emotions? Just start writing and don’t think about it. Do you have a random melody on the tip of your tongue? Does it sound terrible and uncool? Record it! It’ll probably be the best you’ve written thus far. Every single idea has potential. Writing a great song takes time.  What makes your song great? The fact that YOU wrote it. You brought to life something that never existed. You created a work of art that will connect with someone in this world. If you’re like me in a new town working to be the best you can be. Don’t give up. Stop searching for the Miraculous Formula to create. It is already in you, just begin! What works for me may not work for you but that’s the beauty of it all. I’ll share my thoughts on the formula to Co-writing very soon!

Cheers and write well!

-Fuser+

 

A Latino in Nashville

Written by jessesantoyo
Tuesday, 12 July 2011 08:44
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I grew up in rich Mexican culture while in Chicago. My parents came to the US from Mexico and became citizens. My Dad came here to work and make a better life for our family. Reina’s family is from Puerto Rico, throughout the years I have also learned a ton of the Puerto Rican culture as well. I love their history their beautiful Island. Being a Mexican American living in the US,  it is very easy to grow more accustom to the American culture and slowly begin to eliminate our ethnic one. From language to foods, celebrations to much more.  Chicago is pretty well diverse when it comes to Latinos &  Cultures, so was Miami. Especially within the artists communities. The Latino presence of artists is well represented in Cities like that. That is what I love about Chicago and Miami. I am hoping Nashville joins in too!

I realize I was not born in Mexico, but the culture is very important to me. It has always been a huge part of my life and my desire is that it becomes part of the lives of my children and their children  The stories & journeys of my family name are some that I need to re tell to my boys. I want them to learn about the Mexican and Puerto Rican culture and history. It is who we are and we should be proud of our heritage. Our culture is not just about Mexican food or an exotic Island with lush beaches…It goes alot deeper than that.

When we first arrived to Nashville we wondered if there was a Latino presence in town. We were so used to cities like Chicago and Miami that Nashville seemed different. In a city full of artists, actors, dreamers, designers, etc… I seemed the Latino artist was not well represented. As we spent more time here we realized there is a huge Latino population in the outskirts of Nashville. I am curious to know how many amazing artists, songwriters & creatives are not stepping in and making a Latino mark in that scene. But I am also curious to know how many really are!? We’re still new in town, tell us where you are!  My Dad always told me to be proud, be strong and work hard. “People like us need to work harder.” 31yrs later I get what he was saying.  I am a proud Latino artist. I am not trying to belittle any other cultures, but I spoke strongly about mine. It’s where I come from.   My desire is that more Latinos step up, create art and be a voice in this country. We have tons to offer!  Yes it’s true, we’re different. We talk different, live different, celebrate different, eat different but it is what makes this Planet beautiful…Diversity. I’ve read so many articles about immigration policies, family’s being torn apart, racial barriers, hate groups, the list can go on… It pretty much sickens me. I wish it wasn’t like this.

We are all God’s children created in his image. We are all broken human beings walking thru this temporary planet called Earth trying to figure out this thing called life. I think we can all be honest enough with ourselves that at one point or another we’ve seen ourselves as superior to others. Whether it be based on race, social/economic status, color or culture. Am I right or wrong? You know you’ve looked at me different? Or cracked a Mexican joke. Right? Or laugh at the fact that Reina and I add an “s” to every Super Market name! (Krogers) LOL!

There is so much we as merely humans can learn from each other!

What are your thoughts about the Representation of Latino Artists in your Community?

-fuser+

“Donde estan los creativos y artistas en Nashville!?”

 

Props.

Written by jessesantoyo
Friday, 01 July 2011 06:20
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As a new artist and songwriter in a new city  it is highly important to learn the local culture. Not so much to conform to it but to be aware that there are tons of successful artists and writers who have created the local music scene.

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