A New Start In Nashville: A Songwriter's Reflection On Past, Present, and Future

Performing live in the Neon Outpost Writer's Round at Green Light Bar. Photographed by Max Nishida.

Well, it finally happened. The first weekend of September I packed up my whole life and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, chasing more than just music. Mostly, I came searching for a change.

After graduating college in 2022, I ended up right back in my hometown in Maryland. While there were certainly benefits to the familiarity and nostalgia of returning to the promised land of my youth (and of course the added bonus of free rent while living at home), I couldn't help but feel stagnant, ensnared in the confines of comparison and desire. Everyone around me seemed to be living these exciting, mysterious lives, exploring new cities, jobs, and friendships. But there I was, back right where I started, with absolutely nothing to show for it. I wasn't happy with my work, my living situation, and passion escaped me entirely. Life was beginning to feel aimless and purposeless. I kept myself busy constantly, leaning into escapism and the bliss of avoiding reality whenever possible.

In a lot of ways, my friends kept me grounded, namely my best friend. I'll always be grateful she lived across the street from me those same 3 years that I lived at home after college. A divine happenstance, yet an unmistakable sign

Visiting the Starbucks pop up for Taylor Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgirl"

from the universe when we both ended up leaving within the same week. I cannot speak for religion, but I know that some universal force knew we needed each other to stay afloat.

It was music, too, however, that made all of this recent change possible. I began frequenting the Maryland open mic circuit in early 2024, and began playing my first gigs in May of 2024. Music gave me something to be passionate about, something to find relief in when things in my personal life seemed to be falling apart. And as I started booking more and more shows, I got more confident and started experimenting more. A few years ago, I never thought it would be possible to get up on stage for a couple of songs, let alone a couple of hours. All of sudden, that became a weekly occurrence. And though I still get nervous to play now, when I'm on stage, it is a ridiculous high. One that is difficult to achieve anywhere other than behind a microphone.

The idea for a Nashville move came from my love of writing music as well. In March of 2025, I attended the NSAI Tin Pan South Songwriting Seminar. I spent four days here, and fell in love with the city's culture of music and camaraderie. I formed friendships that remain today, and I realized that this could really be my future if I wanted it to be.

From that point forward, I began investing all of my energy into finding a way to get here. I was lucky to find a wonderful opportunity that allowed me to work from Nashville. And one that also gives me the opportunity to continue exploring my passion for music outside the office.

I thought it would be harder to leave home, but the transition felt seamless. That's how I know that it was the absolute right time. I know if I tried to come here right after college, everything would be different. I would not be the person that I am now. I would not have the confidence to navigate a city on my own. I would fear loneliness and desperately seek out friendships that would be destructive. These are all pillars of early adulthood, but I'm grateful that I had already built such a strong foundation before coming here.

Performing live in the Neon Outpost Writer's Round at Green Light Bar. Photographed by Max Nishida.

I am nothing if not independent. I am having a great time meeting people, but it is freeing to be unencumbered by expectations. I am taking everything one step at a time, and I wake up everyday so thankful that I get to be here. Even after the novelty of this city wears off, I will never not be grateful that everything in my life led me to this point. And I now know that everything had to happen that way for this result.

This blog will serve as a place for self-reflection and growth, and an outlet for writing outside of just music. For those that I left back in Maryland, I hope this gives you a glimpse into my new life now. And for the newcomers I meet here in Nashville (or anywhere else), I hope this blog gives you some insight into my perceptions and musings.