Spotlight on Success: Nashville Singer/Songwriter Leslie Powell

"Spotlight on Success" is my new blog series featuring interviews with successful entertainment industry professionals.   Over the next few weeks this, "Mission Inspire" will feature singers, actors, choreographers, producers, and educators who have worked on Broadway, won Tony's, and are chasing their dreams daily.  It is my hope that this blog series will inspire and educate my students (and readers) that it is a big, big world out there and chasing your dreams is possible.  

I, almost weekly, get asked "How do I get started in the music industry?"  and to be honest, I don't always have the answers.  So I decided to ask someone who does.  I had the pleasure of meeting singer/songwriter Leslie Powell when a DVS student did a recording session at Off the Row Studios in Nashville.  I asked Leslie if she would be interested in being part of my interview series, and she graciously accepted.  Her answers and insight are below. 

Leslie Powell

JD: Tell us a little about yourself.

LP: My name is Leslie Powell. I am a singer songwriter/ artist from Austin, Texas. I spent my college years going back and forth to Nashville writing music and performing in order to lay a foundation before I moved there permanently. I am a die hard Texan and family gal. 

JD: When did you decide you wanted to be a singer/songwriter? 

 

LP: I realized I could write music during my senior year of high school when I took a creative writing class. My love began and I started writing with as many people as I could in order to learn and get better. I would try to take away at least 2 things from each session that would improve my writing or singing. 

JD: Did you study music or singing in college?  If so, was it helpful?  If not, why not?

 

LP: I didn't study singing in school because I didn't want it to be mandatory. I was scared that I would lose my drive and love of music if it became a chore to me. I studied film and intertwined the two during college. I took all sorts of entertainment law and music courses to be informed, but thought it was best to learn through real world experience. 

JD: What made you decide to move to Nashville?  How old were you?

 

LP: I think once music is in your blood, it's in there to stay. I knew I wanted to write and be a musician in high school, but I really decided to pursue it fully my sophomore year of college. I studied hard and traveled back and forth between Austin and Nashville meeting as many people as I could and getting in different writers circles. 

 

JD: How did you get started in Nashville?  Did you have contacts or an "in" before moving?

LP: When I got to Nashville, I went to every event I could find, like writers rounds or shows. I would suck up the fact that I didn't know anyone and walk up and start conversations with people. The industry is based primarily on relationships. I started making friends and writing with everyone I could. Some were great and some were horrible... It's like dating. You have to go through some terrible ones to find the ones you love!! I was ALWAYS prepared and pulled my weight in sessions. If you pull your weight, they will want to write again and/ or introduce you to their friends that they think you'd work well with. That's the ultimate goal, making sure you do your best and giving it 100% always. 

JD: How did you begin to market your music?

 

LP: Internet presence is a MUST. Build a website or have someone design one for you. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook..... Do it all and create fans. Everything is run through social media now... Labels and publishers look at that like crazy. 

 

JD:  Do you have an agent or manager?  Would you recommend someone starting out get one? 

LP:  I wouldn't try for an agent or manager at the beginning. You want to get all of your ducks in a row by yourself before you bring other people in. Figure out who you are as an artist/ writer and THEN figure out who in town will fight for you and be your champion.  The biggest lesson I have learned in the industry is to NOT RUSH. Patience is key. You only get one chance at a first impression and you don't want to pull the trigger when you're not ready.
 

JD: What is a normal day like for you? 

 

LP:  I write at least 5-6 hours a day, usually more, then the rest of my work hours are spent working on guitar and piano. It is CRUCIAL that you can play an instrument so you can accompany yourself at shows AND because you're way more valuable in a writing room. 

I co-write everyday and then play shows every month or so. Writing by yourself is very valuable because you're building skills to help you in co-writes... But co-writing is how you get known around town. I would suggest doing it. 

JD: Any other words of advice to aspiring singer/songwriters?
 

LP: DONT GIVE UP!!!  It is a 7 year town. It took me 3 years to lay my foundation and 4 years to feel like I really made a splash. It's a long long road, but the best road EVER!!!! 

 

JD: Wise words, thank you so much and best of luck! 

Check out Leslie's website: www.lesliepowellmusic.com 

                      

 'Chasing Maybe':