Nashville Hootenanny Showcases Rising Talent
Nashville Hootenanny founder David Malloy with the showcase's signature owl logo.
The monthly Nashville Hootenanny at Westwood Studios is a burgeoning showcase for unsigned talent.
The event started about six months ago when producer/hit songwriter David Malloy invited friends over to his then recently purchased Westwood Studios to enjoy a night of music. Since then, the showcase has become a monthly fixture, with over 150 artists playing the event. Malloy says he is specifically not seeking signed artists, in order to help indies “break through the system.”
Nashville Hootenanny has fostered a loyal online following, with more than 1400 people tuning in for its February showcase. The event is streamed live and there is also an accompanying live chat for viewers. Each artist performs two songs, keeping the show moving at a lively pace. Among past guests have been successful songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall (see video below).
In addition to the live streaming the Hootenanny website offers clips from past performances, as well as interviews with industry execs, including manager Scott Siman and engineer Chuck Ainlay.
The February event was a “Teen Hoot” hosted by You Tube sensation CJaye LeRose, with Nickelodeon star Devon Werkheiser, Lilly Winwood (daughter of Steve Winwood), and America’s Got Talent finalist Julienne Irwin.
Members of the music industry are invited to the monthly series. The next Hoot is March 26 at 8 PM.
Sarah Skates has been a writer and editor in the music business since 2004. She is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.
Latest posts by Sarah Skates (see all)
I went to the hoot! It was amazing! All the girls in my dorm are going to the next one, TJ is so awesome and hot. But my favorite is Molly. Why isn’t this on TV yet? Go Commodores!