Nashville. Music City. There’s an air to it, an energy that draws people, especially artists.
They come for the history. They come to hone their craft. They come to be discovered.
And at what some would dub the world’s premier songwriters festival – and definitely Nashville’s top one – songwriters are the story and the ones in the spotlight.
According to the organizers of Tin Pan South, the festival is the largest songwriters-only festival of its kind. It features songwriters performing their songs – two shows a night for five days – at locations across Nashville (which is more than 100 shows).
This year, that translated to more than 400 artists – performing their works as they were written – from April 2-6.
And for the last 17 years, Regions Bank has been the presenting sponsor of Tin Pan South. In addition to a more than 140-year history supporting the city of Nashville, Regions has deep roots in Nashville’s music community and with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the organizers of Tin Pan South.
Nestled in the heart of Music Row, Regions has been a part of this community for nearly 40 years, financing some of the most well-known artists, record labels, music publishers, music licensing firms, recording studios and other businesses in this niche community.
I’ve never seen a situation where a bank is so in touch with musicians, songwriters, and the music industry.
Jeff Cohen, Nashville songwriter and producer
That is, while they’ve also been there to help artists and creators who are just starting out. Today, that branch – now under the leadership of Melodie Zack — and its connection to the music community continues to be there for artists — new and established.
Jeff Cohen, Nashville songwriter and producer, summed it up: “I’ve never seen a situation where a bank is so in touch with musicians, songwriters, and the music industry.”
Cohen, who moved to Nashville from New York more than 20 years ago, recalled being impressed by the staff’s connections and knowledge of the industry. In fairly short order, he moved all his banking to Regions. “I knew they cared,” he said.
Tin Pan South provides a unique opportunity for songwriters (and thousands of others, including music industry representatives) to hear music and be inspired. It’s an opportunity that exists due to the support of other artists and an equally unique and supportive community around them.
Rocky Block, a hit songwriter, may have more insight into the difficult path for artists in Nashville. Coming from a family with music-industry connections (some might even say “legendary”), Rocky confessed, “The music business can be tough. You need people beside you, providing support and advice along the way… including a good bank and banker.
It’s important that we, as songwriters, establish relationships with bankers and people who, in the future, will help us out with our money and financial decisions.
Marv Green
“Regions has been behind [Tin Pan South] for 17 years, and it’s done a lot of good for the fans and songwriters. I think it’s awesome,” Rocky continued.
It’s definitely something that music veteran Marv Green can attest to, as life and art sometimes reflect each other. He added, “It’s important that we, as songwriters, establish relationships with bankers and people who, in the future, will help us out with our money and financial decisions. It just seems like a great marriage of business and art … I personally appreciate it.”
And when you walk in the door of Regions Music Row branch, you can tell something is different. It could be the grand piano in the lobby, which get lots of attention. Or maybe the memorabilia on display. But, like most businesses, it’s about something else… the people.
“It feels like a welcome door that’s always open for any creator,” said songwriter Jenn Schott. “And we’re grateful for the support.”
Experiences and opinions stated by customers are their own. Customers were told in advance they might be featured in an ad when they were asked about their experiences with Regions.