What Franchisors Can Learn From a Country Music Star’s Life on The Road

COVID-19 has impacted virtually every business in every industry, and the music industry is no exception. One positive note: the tough times will likely provide a lot of material for creatives. Just ask country music singer T. Graham Brown. The voice behind hits such as “Hell and High Water” and “Don’t Go To Strangers” is bearing witness to the effects the coronavirus pandemic is having on the Nashville music scene and touring musicians. And though these are far from the best of times, he still feels hopeful. 

In an interview with 1851 publisher Nick Powills and franchise lawyer Charles Internicola, Brown spoke about how COVID-19 has affected his life as a musician, reflected on his past accomplishments and gave a glimpse into his new life off the road. 

For franchisors, franchisees and any business leaders struggling to adjust to the new normal, Brown’s flexibility and optimism should prove instructive.

Touring is off, but Brown is staying busy.

He’s working on a new album and recutting 10 of his hits with a new acoustic sound. He’s also engaging with fans through birthday shoutouts and Facebook Live concerts. 

Nashville has been hit hard by COVID-19. 

Nashville is a tourist town, and as such, it has been greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. People are eager to get back to work, but a lot of business owners are scared to reopen restaurants and bars because they don’t know how many customers they’ll be able to let in under social distancing guidelines. Establishments need to have a certain number of customers to break even but if they can only let in so many people they will not be able to turn a profit. 

COVID-19 has affected everyone, from bus drivers and bus leasing companies to agents, roadies, rehearsal spaces, musicians and everyone in town. 

We’ll start hearing about COVID-19 in songs soon.

As a songwriter, Brown said, you’re influenced by what goes on around you. It’s important to keep your antennas up so you can write songs people can identify with. 

The same goes for business leaders. Look around. Take in what’s happening in the world, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Jingles are not a bad way to make a living. 

For musicians and entrepreneurs alike, if you can make a living doing what you love, don’t take that for granted. And remember, big opportunities can come out of small ones.

For artists who want to break into the Nashville music business, jingles are a great way to get one’s voice heard by record companies. Demos get passed around and can lead to jobs on commercials for brands. Some musicians might think jingles are beneath them, but Brown has enjoyed doing them in his career. He has won ADDY awards for his jingles. 

Brown remains thankful. 

He has been in music since 1973 and feels blessed to make a living doing what he loves. He and his wife Sheila are having more fun right now than they’ve ever had. Crucially, he and Sheila take nothing for granted.