Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
By ERIN EDGEMON Business Editor
With the low roar of voices in the background, Brinn Black performs her country-tinged pop songs for a small collective of fans and diners at the La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant.
Black moved to Middle Tennessee from Chestor, Va., two years ago to pursue a music career. She is majoring in recording industry management with an emphasis in songwriting at MTSU.
But making it in the music business is a tough road, so she is taking every opportunity she can to strap on her guitar and belt out the lyrics she has penned for a new audience.
The Def Kat Music-produced acoustic and writer’s nights featured three days a week, every week at area restaurants in Murfreesboro gives local musicians a place to practice performing for an audience and gives diners a chance to hear a up-and-coming musical artist.
“There was no outlet for songwriters in the ‘Boro,” said John Salaway, of Def Kat Music, an independent record label and music company, and a musician performing with The Last Straw and Acoustic Revolution, “and I felt I needed to contribute to the music scene and provide a place for songwriters to perform.”
Black, who performed at Acoustic Nights at La Hacienda for the first time last week, appreciates the chance to perform in front of a Murfreesboro audience and try out new material.
She received a warm reception from the sparse crowd on her personal songs.
Acoustic nights in Murfreesboro began in October 2005 and have moved from venue to venue over the years until settling at Bluesboro Rhythm & Blues Co. The success of those shows lead to writer’s and open mic nights at Blue Coast Burrito. Two months ago La Hacienda began hosting its own night. Shows are starting now at the Tin Roof in Nashville.
“I think these shows are a great way for people to enjoy live music at a comfortable volume and relaxing atmosphere,” Salaway said. “The Blue Coast and La Hacienda shows are all ages and family friendly and there are not many places in town where you can hear live music with the whole family.”
For Salaway, these shows have provided him “musical karma.”
He helps many of the artists who perform at acoustic nights with gigs, recording sessions, artist development and with general advice on the music business.
Salaways said those who come out to acoustic nights should expect to see “top-notch songwriters and musicians and a comfortable, relaxing vibe.”
They should also expect to see his bubbly 5-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Love Salaway. dancing to the music and talking to the performers.
She perhaps is the biggest fan of the shows.
“It is so awesome and cute,” she said. “They sing so great.”
Her dad said the setting gives listeners a chance to connect with Murfreesboro and Nashville songwriters and their songs.
Singer/songwriter Angela Ammons is a regular performer at acoustic nights.
“The audience is different every time,” she said. “Sometimes it is just background music. and sometimes people stop and watch.
“We have more good nights than bad,” she said.
Andy Sullivan came out to a recent show at La Hacienda to enjoy the good food and the good music.
“It is just cool that you can go out to a restaurant in Murfreesboro and hear live music,” he said.
Sullivan regularly attends acoustic night to hear friends perform.
Ammons met Salaway after popping into Blue Coast Burrito one Saturday for writer’s night and started singing backup for a musician she didn’t know.
Unlike most who perform at acoustic nights, Ammons, 23, has had success in the music business outside of Murfreesboro. She got a record deal at 15, put out a pop album at 18 and had songs included on the “American Pie 2” and Save the Last Dance” movie soundtracks.
Ammons even had a Top 10 hit in France.
Everything fizzled out though after Sept. 11, 2001. Ammons moved to Middle Tennessee to continue to pursue a musicial career.
Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.
Acoustic and Writer’s Nights
Blue Coast Burrito, Saturday, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, Tuesday. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Bluesboro Rhythm & Blues Co., Thursday, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For information on how to perform at an acoustic night, contact Def Kat Music at www.myspace.com/acousticatnight.
- Murfreesboro Post
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Born to a classically trained opera singer, Virginia native Brinn Black has been immersed in music since birth. Raised in the small town of Chester Virginia, Brinn grew up singing in the church, and in her high school choir. All she ever wanted to do was make music so when it came time to choose a college, the obvious choice was simple, Music City’s, Nashville, Tennessee. Brinn was influenced by artists such as Reba McEntire, and Martina McBride, but Brinn wanted to find her own sound in the music world. She decided to major in songwriting, and didn’t waste any time getting down to business, writing with such writers as Doak Turner, Brandon Maddox, Julie Grower, Chrissy Wicks, Nick Donely, and David Lee Brown. When Brinn say’s “my life is truly blessed” she’s right. At the young age of twenty she’s had the amazing privilege to perform at multiple venues in Nashville, Virginia, as well as Texas. Brinn has recently finished her first self titled EP and will start her radio tour to promote the album in January.
Links
