NBN08: Goodbye Vomit-Brick Road

Obligatory Heather Byrd picture by Sean L. Maloney

Damn, Next Big Nashville, you really kicked my ass. Hell, it's Tuesday and I called it quits somewhere around 4 on Sunday morning. I didn’t have any official capacity this year—no shows to promote, no bands to wrangle—yet it seems like I’m even more worn out than I was last year. In fact, I’m pretty sure the only part of my body that realized I wasn’t 18 anymore was my liver and it didn’t speak up until it was too late. Four days of showcase-core boozin’ and extraneous, lunatic behavior on top of my normal work week, regular responsibilities and general, lunatic behavior really took a toll on me—and I loved every second of it.* I’m definitely using my vacation days and stocking up on BC powders next year. It's just too cool of an event to be sullied by cubicles and hangovers.

Jason and Ethan, you guys really pulled it off this year and while there might have been a few snags along the way, you are definitely on the path to creating a world-class event. The scope of this year’s festival grand and awe inspiring—your attempt to fill the genre gaps from last year was admirable and the excitement among the festival goers was palpable. Even though it won’t show up in your ledger when you get around to balancing the books, your greatest success was rallying a clique-ridden city to unite in the name of all that is good, right and true about humanity—namely, booze and music. You also impressed the out-of-towners, of which there were many, all of them enthusiastic.

NBN08: Day 4: Talk to the Hand

It’s not entirely accurate to say the NBN ship has officially sailed for this year, but it’s definitely lifted anchor. Anyone still looking to milk a little more music and booze from this thing can probably be found at the festivities in East Nashville today—but definitely not me. I’m having a hard enough time cracking the whip on my last remaining brain cell trying to remember just what all went down last night.

NBN08: Day 3: Let It Cream

You’ll notice this morning’s hand stampage is hardly as dramatic as I predicted yesterday. This can be directly attributed to two things: taking a shower, and staying put last night at the Infinity Cat showcase. The markings still tell a story, just one that doesn’t quite match yesterday’s hungover prediction. But like a cup of mystic tea leaves, the back of my fist is an interpreter of dreams and a map of future events--just don't ask me to explain that.

Public Service Announcement: Take the Shuttle. Get Blasted.

Seriously folks, you should really consider taking the Next Big Shuttle Bus around town tonight as you soak your brain in booze and tunes. It's safe, it's free, it's convenient and waaaay better than getting a D.U.I. Plus, they do actually show up every fifteen minutes. Ruthie, the driver that seemed to show up everytime I needed to get somewhere, is totally awesome. Breathalyzer tests—totally not. The shuttle only runs ’til midnight, but there's plenty of cabs and it really doesn't cost much when you split the fare with some friends. I saw a ton of po-po lurking on the fringe of the action as I rode the shuttle last night, just waiting to bust some poor unsuspecting rock fan. Don't be that dude.

Now I'm going to get back to my cubicle and nurse this motherfucker of a hangover....

NBN08: Day 2: The Mark of the Beast

This is my hand. So far, it’s only slightly discolored, bearing the mark of only three door stamps from participating NBN venues. By Sunday, I expect every square centimeter will be covered with the ink of authorization. Like the mark of the beast, only way less apocalyptic. This morning, a throbbing vessel in the side of my head echos throughout my skull with every heart beat as I sit waiting on a combo of Excedrin and Red Bull to heal me long enough to finish whatever it is I’m trying to say here. In other words: Last night was pretty awesome.