I’m moving to Nashville in the Fall!
I’ll be finishing out my summer here in Florida, playing house shows and hanging out with great friends. I will play a “So Long, Farewell” show September 3rd at The Plaza Theatre, leaving for my new home in Tennessee a few days later…
About a month ago, my parents informed my family that they would be moving to Nashville in a month or so, which was a complete surprise. We knew we’d probably be moving sometime soon from our current house, but I figured it would be somewhere close by. Originally, I planned on staying in Orlando for the next year or so, then moving to either New York City, California, or Nashville. As many of you know, I’ve been wanting to get out of Florida for quite a while now; I can’t bare the constant heat and really miss having seasons with snow or changing leaves or something falling besides rain or lightning. When my parents said, “Nashville,” it didn’t take long for me to realize that this move would be a good idea for me. I’m done with UCF, I don’t have a 9 to 5 that has me tied to Florida, and I’m transitioning into a career in music; the timing seems as good as any.
With that said, I am most definitely going to miss the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of sharing Orlando with the past 10 years. I’m planning on playing shows in Orlando every few months (depending on how well they go), which will give me the opportunity the hang out with friends for a few days! I realize that most of my friends won’t always be able to drop whatever they’re doing to hang out, but I really hope to stay connected to my friends here.
I’ve always thought of Florida as a great place to visit yet not such a great place to live, not for me at least. I think it will take me leaving Florida to appreciate it. When I’m here, I can enjoy the people, the beaches, and the sunsets; I can take it in small doses and then go home to mountains, cold weather, and country music (which I’m least excited about).
I’ve never actually been to Nashville, but most people tell me I’d love it. Nonetheless, I’ve always hesitated when people have asked, “So, you do music. Are you planning to move to Nashville?” It seems like the cliché thing to do just because you play music. Yet, the more I think about what I’ve heard of Nashville, the more I think I will feel at home there. The only concern I still have is the almost certain intimidation I will face once I arrive. Nashville is the music capital of the nation; there will be a ridiculous amount of amazing musicians who are all trying to do the same thing I am. In certain ways, the city might challenge me to improve my craft, yet it could become very easy to get lost in the sea of songwriters who are already there, plugging away.
Despite all the talent and country music, I am most definitely excited about the adventure waiting for me in Tennessee. There will be new places where I will make new friends to have new experiences with. I will live somewhat close to Memphis, Knoxville, Asheville, and Atlanta, providing new opportunities for touring, road trips, and snowboarding! I have a feeling it is going to be awesome, especially if my Floridian friends come to visit!
“I’m glad to go,
I cannot tell a lie…
So long, farewell,
auf wiedersehen, goodbye!”
-James
