Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bethany Bowman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

About a year after I began writing my Music Spotlight column, I did a feature on RCA’s Historic Studio B in Nashville. Now a part of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the studio/museum’s curator provided a stunning story of all the greats who first recorded there. Hitmakers who have made records in Studio B include Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, Everly Brothers Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, Floyd Cramer, Roy Orbison, Charley Pride, Charlie Daniels, Connie Smith, and most notably Elvis Presley. Learning and writing about the history of this studio has been my favorite project to date.

As I have featured more than 400 rising singer/songwriters, the history of Music City has become of the utmost importance to me. Music is the fabric of our lives, and I am fascinated by its history as I watch it unfold in real time before my eyes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began my Music Spotlight column when my friend started a new state online newspaper. I wanted to tell how people got into music, specifically how and why they moved to Nashville. So many move here with big dreams, and those starting out are thrilled to share their stories with me. I quickly learned that females were underrepresented in country music, so I go out of my way to feature them when possible.

One thing that sets me apart from other reporters is my age. I am in my 60s, and I know things because of it. This puts my artists at ease because they know I have no agenda other than getting to know them and telling their stories. I truly marvel at how they create songs in Nashville.

During COVID, my interview requests skyrocketed because artists were stuck at home and looking for ways to get their music heard. Evidently, I do an adequate job promoting the artists, as I now get requests from across the US. I find I must stay in my lane, sticking primarily to country music because I do not have time to feature singers/songwriters from other genres.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

People not in the music industry often remark on all the artists I meet and the events I get to attend. But what they don’t see is all the work that goes into. Simply scheduling the stories and events takes several hours a week. Also, preparing for and doing an interview takes another ninety minutes or so. Then writing the story takes anywhere between 3-5 hours. You have to submit your stories to the papers and find acceptable pictures to include.

Freelance writing is not a high-paying job. I have another part-time employment to help pay the bills. However, I love what I do and have finally found my purpose in life.

I hope that my articles will become part of Nashville’s musical tapestry. Nothing is more exciting than hearing your artists on the radio or seeing them on TV.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of the reasons I am drawn to country music is because of the lyrics. Unfortunately, I cannot sing very well, but that does not keep me from loving music and relating to songs.

We all have songs from life that have profoundly impacted us. As I interview rising artists, I hear new songs that influence lives. Some are so good that they literally stop me in my tracks. Many of these singers/songwriters have overcome great odds, and their stories are inspiring.

By writing my column, I can play a small part in getting this new music to the world. I can show how these songs can help and heal others. I am thrilled to be able to share with my readers what I feel is some of the finest music in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bethanybowman.com
• Instagram: bethanybowman
• Facebook: bethanybowman
• Twitter: bethanybowman
• Other: https://linktr.ee/BethanyBowman

Image Credits

There are all my personal photos taken with my phone.