Rockin’ Rich Lynch On the Making Of “The Streets of Nashville”
What was the creative process like for this particular "The Streets of Nashville?"
Well, the process was fueled mainly by anger and disenchantment. I went on the local news here earlier in the year to voice my objection to the misguided public policy being introduced in downtown Nashville. I wanted to add my voice in the best way I know how - as a songwriter. Once we established a lyrical direction it became obvious that we needed to add some actual street names to call out in "The Streets of Nashville".
What do you like the best about this track?
I actually like the syllabic utterances that begin and end the track. That is a songwriting tool and trick that I haven't really pursued in the over 40 songs we have put out to date. It might be a case of Nashville finally rubbing off on me and it is something I need to explore further in future writing sessions. I also like the consistent urgency and convincing flow of the song's three verses.
How has the audience response been to "The Streets of Nashville" during live shows?
I've gotten a lot of "Amen, Brothers" being hurled in my direction. This issue has really struck a raw nerve with the musicians and hospitality workers here in Music City. I also hope that the powers that be will feel the big helping of shame I cast their way within my catchy little protest anthem.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
As much as I hate to say it, I am a bit of an old-timer. But, I've always felt blessed to say that the music of the 60's, 70's, 80's and to a lesser extent - the 90's - has been nothing short of an influence, inspiration and the literal soundtrack of my life. Along the way the most important male singer-songwriter types like Tom Petty, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp became my personal role models and I aspired to create a body of work that someday could be compared to theirs. As of 2023, I am still trying... LOL!
How do you balance the artistic aspects of your music with the business side of the industry?
I am still in 80-20 mode as far as the artistic versus business relationship goes. I have spent nearly a decade getting a small fraction of the songs I've composed into recorded form for sale and consumption. Of course, in that time the business I thought to be entering has undergone several seismic and fundamental changes where the song is no longer the sole driving source of income for the independent artist. It is generally understood nowadays that best chance a musician has to make a living is to take their show on the road. But, that comes with its own set of challenges and costs. However, if a promoter wants to book my band we will happily come to your town to show you that Nashville knows how to seriously rock!