I came to Nashville with nothing and had to learn everything the hard way. Here is my story and how I can help you avoid the mistakes I made:
My twin sister and I grew up singing together throughout high school and college. Our yearbooks are full of people who thank us for sharing our gift with them as well as those wishing us well on the road to becoming famous singer/songwriters. After my first year of college I got married and moved to California.
My sister and I never sang together much after that. We went our two separate ways and raised our families. I would occasionally sing in bands and in church choirs but the increasing responsibilities of being a wife and mother did not allow me to spend much time working on music.
Many years later I found myself hitting 30 and I wondered, "I’ll never know if I don’t at least give it a shot. I may regret it later if I never even tried." Shortly thereafter I practically gave away everything I owned and left California for Nashville. I didn't know anyone. I didn't have anywhere to stay. I lived in a hotel with my four kids for the first four weeks until we found a small house to rent.
It was really tough not having anyone to guide me or give me direction with my career. I did not have a clue how to get my foot in the door. I did not know who was legitimate and who was a crook. I needed a manager, an agent, someone to show me the steps to reaching my goals..
A couple years later after lots of hard work and paying my dues I was presented with a 3 year, 3 album record deal, a tour bus and a band! When it came time to sign the record deal I decided not to. I just wasn't willing to leave my young children for so long in order to go on tour. It sounded too demanding and I honestly didn't feel I was up to it. I soon realized that I would have hated such a rigorously structured life and being on the road all the time. I was not willing to make that sacrifice. I should have educated myself before deciding I wanted to be a "country star."
To you who are reading this: Make sure this is what you really want, and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
I wish you the very best in your music career.
Remember, “Luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity”.
Sincerely,
Cathy Lemmon