We recently connected with Marty Lamain and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
Being a full-time producer in Nashville is a process, especially when you enjoy wearing multiple hats like I do. Finding the right artists to work with, growing a teaching studio for voice and piano, and enough live gigs to pay the bills–it’s been a lot of seed planting and weed pulling. As I found my circle of right people, I was able to say no to things I didn’t believe in, which only lends energy to the things I do believe in.
Marty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been obsessed with music since I started playing the piano at 8yrs old. I had to be pulled off the piano to eat dinner because I wouldn’t stop playing. That grew, of course, as I figured out that songs were written and I could do it. And that has since been my pursuit–saying yes to every musical opportunity I can until it grew into a business.
I work in Nashville as a music producer (creating and recording all parts of a song), a topliner (writing the lyric/melody to music that’s already been written), a voice teacher, and a live support for artists on keys and background vocals.
In my studio, I have the paper I wrote my first song on at age fourteen, and I often think about how that kid’s mind would explode if he knew what I’m doing now. I’m forever grateful for the teachers who poured into me, and the artists who bring me along their journey to build their vision.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Social media has been an excellent tool for showing my personality. There are thousands of producers and voice teachers in Nashville, and zero way to know who the great ones are from the creepy ones. Being able to film myself working with artists has been an invaluable tool in showcasing my humor and genuine love for pouring into an artist’s potential.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is hearing an artist talk about their journey with me. Today, I had breakfast with an artist I’ve been working with on a project that’s almost finished, and she commented that she used to be afraid of singing in the studio until she worked with me. My calm demeanor and clear directions made her feel safe to not only write emotionally honest lyrics, but also to try different sounds with her voice. My goal is to provide that for everyone I work with.
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