Moving to Nashville

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 8 Oct 2008 5:30 pm

Thats a very good point dave!

Jamie Lennon · Post by **Jamie Lennon** » 10 Nov 2008 9:30 am

Rick Campbell wrote:Jamie,

You'll have a lot of friends until the $10,000 runs out. Then you'll find out who the real ones are.

If this is what you want to do, go for it. You'll never know until you try. Best of luck to you!

True fact to some, but i aint stupid, that 10,000 is for me to live on whilst persuing a dream.

I met people who befriend people for money, dont work with me !!!

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 10 Nov 2008 11:29 am

I don't know how I missed this thread, as pertinent as it is to my own situation.

Do give it a shot, Jamie, but, as others have said, make sure you don't cut any corners with INS and their requirements. If you do, and you fall foul of the authorities, then it'll stay on your record and you'll never get back in the USA again - not even for a week at Disney World!

My immigration process was long and difficult, and that was when they weren't quite so vigilant (pre-9/11). I became a Legal Alien (a Green Card holder), but I'm not entitled to vote here (not that my vote would have counted for anything here in Naples, FL!!!). Since security has been tightened up, Green Card holders have to renew that document every ten years (it used to be granted for life), but provided I don't commit any criminal acts (thankfully this doesn't include musical ones!) renewal should be a formality.

Ken Byng wrote:

"Roger Rettig augments his steel playing by playing 6 string, and very well I might add. Roger has wisely ensconced himself away from Nashville."

I don't know quite how to take that 'wisely....' bit, Ken!!!! Did you mean....? Never mind! (:whoa:)

In fact, after ten years working in the USA I can confirm that 95% of my employment has been on pedal-steel, even 'though guitar is my strongest suite. Guitar is a useful 'double', of course.

I came here with no burning ambitions, aside from wanting to get a living as a player. I wanted to experience living in another country, and I almost left it too late (I moved here when I was 55). What I mean is that, at that age, one's energy-levels aren't quite what they once were, and I knew from the outset that I wasn't prepared to fight it out on Lower Broadway with hungry guys half my age. It's true that some of them are there to keep their chops up, but there are others who are there to display their skills to would-be employers. I have a number of pals who play there regularly - I can confirm that the conditions are exactly as described by others contributing to this thread.

I've survived doing tours and 'runs' of theatrical shows. I've played in every State in the Lower 48, and I haven't had to haul my gear in and out of bars on a one-night-stand basis - I don't think I'd be up to that any more. I do have to travel, and I spend maybe half the year away from home.

None of this is what you're after, however, so I won't go on. The key, I'm convinced, lies in your personality and people-skills (as others have told you); you'll get a gig over a better player than you if the guys take a liking to you, and you can maintain a positive attitude to the work.

Get that Social Security Card, get that Driver's License, open a bank account and get a credit card or two, and - most of all - keep out of any kind of trouble. Remember - they don't need us here!!!!

Me? I've had a new lease on life, and I love life here in the USA. It's not perfect, but nor is where I came from. I was getting a bit jaded where I was, and my emigration was like a shot-in-the-arm. It's been good for my playing, and I've made some wonderful friends.

I wish you every success and I hope you'll keep us informed.

(PS: Remember there's no free medical care here - the older you get, the bigger that becomes - I'm now very much in what someone once called the 'hospital years'.....

)

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 10 Nov 2008 12:50 pm

Hi Roger
What I meant was that you haven't had to fight it out on Lower Broadway with hungry guys half your age

. Sorry I missed your UK tour. Sounded like a lot of fun. I bet you had excess baggage with cartons of Marmite going back with you.

I played at High Wycombe a few months back and in the audience was Al Barrett. Poor Al is white haired now and has lost most of his teeth. (Does a great Gabby Hayes impression!!) He sang a few number with our band. He said to send his regards to you and Gerry if ever I have contact with you. You missed this post http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=

Jamie
I will be in the States from 12th April 2009 to 30th April 2009, with a week and a half of that time in Nashville. I want to get to see Tommy White play, and get to see a PLAYERS gig. Plus another visit to see the Time Jumpers. If you are there around that time perhaps we can meet up.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 10 Nov 2008 1:24 pm

Hey, Ken!

The tour was terrific, even if we lavished far too much money on our personal comforts thus dissipating much of the profit! We made a bit, though.

Excess baggage! I ended up hoodwinking the airlines and taking the Emmons on as cabin-baggage (in its Wheel-Ez' case!) as well as my Tele. My suitcase weighed 50 lbs going out and 70 lbs going home! The other checked item - a carton with my Profex, Steelers' Choice seat and golf-shoes, etc - weighed 48 lbs going out at just over 70 coming back home....

That was all Marmite, Bovril, fish-paste, two huge die-cast model buses (a pre-war London RT and a Southdown Bedford OB), as well as a quantity of LT-related hard-back books - everything required to maintain civilised life here in the Colonies.

We played a nice venue in Southampton called The Brook. I loved playing with Billy Bremner again - we both had a fine time!!!

Tommy White: I'd as soon watch Tommy play as anyone alive - what a player!!! I'm not sure - apart from the Opry - where you'd get to see him, though. Good luck on your trip.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 11 Nov 2008 7:46 am

Before you become an expatriate Brit, ponder on how much you like the following items, which are unknown this side of the pond...

Sausage Rolls
Cider
Baked Beans (they're different over here !)
Pork Pies
Mince Pies
Salad Cream
American Muffins
Beefburgers
Malt Loaf
Coronation Tuna
Loose Tea
Ribena
Marmite
Bovril
Tea Cakes
...and many other things that make life bareable, not to mention free newscasting. This country is so far to the right politically that the extreme left here is about equal to British Conservatives...

W. C. Edgar · Post by **W. C. Edgar** » 11 Nov 2008 8:05 am

Hey, give the guy a break! Best of luck to ya!

I lived in Nashville six years and ALWAYS had Artist work and NEVER worked a day job. Sure there are a lot of players as well as some owners and hackers and guys with either personality issues or chemical dependency issues but there is work there. Just remember something that Alan Jackson told me before I went on a Canadian Tour with him. Listen, and don't walk on the vocal line of the song. This is not about you and the Steel Guitar but rather the Artist you are working for. Sometimes it's not knowing when to play but "When NOT to play". Meet as many people as you can and network with everyone you can and I'm sure you will have the time of your life. WC Edgar

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 11 Nov 2008 11:32 am

Hey, Jamie,

Alan's right about that list of items - and I'd add Melton Mowbray pies to it as well! There's nothing vaguely resembling them here in the Colonies. They don't have fish-paste either!

I do love the life here - the space, the sunshine, the endless golf (here in FL) and many other things.

The politics? The rotten television programmes? The medical profession which is as close to legalised piracy as anything I've known? Maybe, but I always remember that it was my choice to come here - I can always go back home.

Taken by and large, America's a terrific country.

A PS: I've been flying the Atlantic to and from the UK for well over ten years now, and I always felt a slight wrench when leaving London to return 'home'.

This last time, however (two weeks ago), it was different - for the first time I found myself seeing the US as my home, and that feeling of comfort and familiarity as my 'plane descended over urban Atlanta made me realise that I've finally accepted the move. Just a random thought that came to me out of the blue - and much to my surprise.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 11 Nov 2008 11:35 am

don't walk on the vocal line of the song

Words to live by.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 11 Nov 2008 12:21 pm

Alan Brookes wrote:Before you become an expatriate Brit, ponder on how much you like the following items, which are unknown this side of the pond...
Sausage Rolls
Cider
Baked Beans (they're different over here !)
Pork Pies
Mince Pies
Salad Cream
American Muffins
Beefburgers
Malt Loaf
Coronation Tuna
Loose Tea
Ribena
Marmite
Bovril
Tea Cakes
...and many other things that make life bareable, not to mention free newscasting. This country is so far to the right politically that the extreme left here is about equal to British Conservatives...

Add;
Cod and chips
Haddock and chips
Plaice and chips
Yorkshire pudding
Fresh granary bread
(Real) Cheddar cheese
Ploughmans lunch
Bisto
National Health Service
Real Ale (although one bar sells Bass in Nashville, not quite real ale but at least a civilised warm beer

)
Rasher pudding and cabbage

What I wouldn't miss from the UK if I lived in the States.

Paying
$13.00 a gallon of petrol
$30,000 for a small family car
17.5% Value Added Tax
$3,000 a year fuel bill
Double the cost of a new pedal steel
Double the cost of a USA amplifer

et al, et al

Oh yes - I nearly forgot;

Rainy Summers
Rainy Winters
Rainy Springs
Rainy Autumns

I love going to the States for a holiday and meeting old friends........but there is no place like home. Tom Bradshaw told me recently that he had not seen rain for 9 months. I would miss not talking about the weather so perhaps the rain is not such a bad thing. At least it keeps everything green.

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 11 Nov 2008 1:13 pm

Roger Rettig wrote:I don't know how I missed this thread, as pertinent as it is to my own situation.

Do give it a shot, Jamie, but, as others have said, make sure you don't cut any corners with INS and their requirements. If you do, and you fall foul of the authorities, then it'll stay on your record and you'll never get back in the USA again - not even for a week at Disney World!

My immigration process was long and difficult, and that was when they weren't quite so vigilant (pre-9/11). I became a Legal Alien (a Green Card holder), but I'm not entitled to vote here (not that my vote would have counted for anything here in Naples, FL!!!). Since security has been tightened up, Green Card holders have to renew that document every ten years (it used to be granted for life), but provided I don't commit any criminal acts (thankfully this doesn't include musical ones!) renewal should be a formality.

Ken Byng wrote:

"Roger Rettig augments his steel playing by playing 6 string, and very well I might add. Roger has wisely ensconced himself away from Nashville."

I don't know quite how to take that 'wisely....' bit, Ken!!!! Did you mean....? Never mind! (:whoa:)

In fact, after ten years working in the USA I can confirm that 95% of my employment has been on pedal-steel, even 'though guitar is my strongest suite. Guitar is a useful 'double', of course.

I came here with no burning ambitions, aside from wanting to get a living as a player. I wanted to experience living in another country, and I almost left it too late (I moved here when I was 55). What I mean is that, at that age, one's energy-levels aren't quite what they once were, and I knew from the outset that I wasn't prepared to fight it out on Lower Broadway with hungry guys half my age. It's true that some of them are there to keep their chops up, but there are others who are there to display their skills to would-be employers. I have a number of pals who play there regularly - I can confirm that the conditions are exactly as described by others contributing to this thread.

I've survived doing tours and 'runs' of theatrical shows. I've played in every State in the Lower 48, and I haven't had to haul my gear in and out of bars on a one-night-stand basis - I don't think I'd be up to that any more. I do have to travel, and I spend maybe half the year away from home.

None of this is what you're after, however, so I won't go on. The key, I'm convinced, lies in your personality and people-skills (as others have told you); you'll get a gig over a better player than you if the guys take a liking to you, and you can maintain a positive attitude to the work.

Get that Social Security Card, get that Driver's License, open a bank account and get a credit card or two, and - most of all - keep out of any kind of trouble. Remember - they don't need us here!!!!

Me? I've had a new lease on life, and I love life here in the USA. It's not perfect, but nor is where I came from. I was getting a bit jaded where I was, and my emigration was like a shot-in-the-arm. It's been good for my playing, and I've made some wonderful friends.

I wish you every success and I hope you'll keep us informed.

(PS: Remember there's no free medical care here - the older you get, the bigger that becomes - I'm now very much in what someone once called the 'hospital years'..... )

Jolly good show rog, i could not agree more in every aspect of your thread, and of course kens add on's, dont miss them at all!

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 11 Nov 2008 1:23 pm

I moved here when I was 55

Roger, bless your heart, I moved here when I was 29 and I`m 40 now, I don`t even want to move across the street any more,never the less another country...you are a brave man, but you were chasing your dreams, I respect you for your courage to make the move many much younger people have no balls to make...

Db

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 12 Nov 2008 12:07 pm

Damir, check your PM, it's great to hear from you again!

Frank Harris · Post by **Frank Harris** » 12 Nov 2008 12:35 pm

Good Luck in Nashville follow your dreams and you!ll do just fine. Also thanks for all your help on You Tube. this past year. Frank San Diego

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 12 Nov 2008 5:40 pm

Moving from England you'll find cars are a LOT cheaper, gas is a LOT cheaper and houses are a LOT cheaper (depending on the city).

However, Crunchie bars are nowhere to be fund. Be sure to bring a few cases with you!!!

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 13 Nov 2008 7:38 am

Ken Byng wrote: Add;
Cod and chips
Haddock and chips
Plaice and chips
Yorkshire pudding
Fresh granary bread
(Real) Cheddar cheese
Ploughmans lunch
Bisto
National Health Service
Real Ale (although one bar sells Bass in Nashville, not quite real ale but at least a civilised warm beer )
Rasher pudding and cabbage
...

This thread is making me hungry

I moved from Birmingham to San Francisco 29 years ago, but it wasn't because I wanted to move, it was because my Nebraska-born wife couldn't stand the British weather...

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 13 Nov 2008 7:52 am

Doing the comparisons is okay, but what you have is two different British societies separated, and obviously with different personalities involved their histories will diverge.
There are really three different subjects; the land, its people and its society.
The San Francisco area, where I live, is really beautiful. The weather is perfect, and there is an abundance of natural wealth.
People are the same the world over. I've noticed, working in offices, that every office has the same people, whether it be in Becuanaland, New Zealand, Belgium... there's always the jokey boy, the serious ones, the alcoholic, etc. People don't vary all that much. People in California seem to be much more receptive to outsiders than anywhere else. In all the time I've lived in California, no-one has ever treated me as an outsider. Frankly, there are very few people in the Bay Area who were born here: they all moved in from somewhere else.
Society is what we make it. The political system here has much of the "wild west" feel because this is still a new nation.
Go where you feel you need to go. You only have one life (maybe ?). Nowhere is perfect. I spend seven days a week working in finance and accountancy, when what I really want to do is play music. I've always thought that most people drift into their lifetime professions as a complete accident. If you can work professionally doing what would otherwise be your hobby then life becomes a continual playtime instead of a continual labor.
If you want to move to Nashville, go for it....

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 13 Nov 2008 9:27 am

Cod and chips
Haddock and chips
Plaice and chips
Yorkshire pudding
Fresh granary bread
(Real) Cheddar cheese
Ploughmans lunch
Bisto
National Health Service
Real Ale (although one bar sells Bass in Nashville, not quite real ale but at least a civilised warm beer )
Rasher pudding and cabbage
...

musicians in Nashville are more familiar with Ramen Noodle Soup than with Yorkshire pudding...trust me on that...

Db

Jamie Lennon · Post by **Jamie Lennon** » 13 Nov 2008 12:12 pm

I dont like soup so I think I will stick to the Steak thanks !

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 13 Nov 2008 5:52 pm

Jamie Lennon wrote:I dont like soup so I think I will stick to the Steak thanks !

aha... $:\$

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 13 Nov 2008 7:00 pm

Joe Alterio wrote:Moving from England you'll find ...houses are a LOT cheaper (depending on the city)...

I'm glad you added the "depending on the city". In the area where I live the median value of a family home is about $800,000. In downtown Manhattan that might get you a bed sitter if you look around.

Jamie Lennon · Post by **Jamie Lennon** » 13 Nov 2008 7:21 pm

Damir you seem to be very negative to me moving???4
I know there are alot of reasons like out of work musicians etc, but I am going with enough money to see me through the 3 months im intially there, so steak it is !!!

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 14 Nov 2008 8:38 am

Jamie, why am I negative?

what do I care???? I`m sure you will get here and in week or two you will be on the road with Alan Jackson or Chesney making at least $1000 per show...and when you get back to Nashville you can play down town all day long and make hundereds of dollars and go to the Rippley`s have some steak..I`m sure ....there is no doubt in my mind, and not even to mention all those recording sessions on 16th ave., man, what are you waiting for...??

Db

ps

btw. you asked us for our opinion, so I gave you mine, would you like to heear only positive opinions?

Steve Branscom · Post by **Steve Branscom** » 14 Nov 2008 10:43 am

Jamie,
Go for it, whether you stick in Nashville or not you'll talk about the trip for the rest of your life. It's $10,000 well spent. I've lost well over that in the stock market and don't have one musical note or good time to speak of for that money. It's gone and I don't have one thing to show for it. You'll have some great memories. It's a terrific investment in yourself and your future. Keep us posted.

We also don't have cucumber sandwiches over here so you'll just have to do without. Tough luck on that one. Hah!

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 14 Nov 2008 1:04 pm

At least sarcasm is not dead.