We had the good fortune of connecting with Merna Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Merna, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Hello, and thank you so much for inviting me to your Shout Out Feature! I’m excited to share a few things with you today.

Music lovers don’t realize that the people that make the music they listen to have sometimes put their entire blood, sweat and tears into that one piece of music. The idea comes as a small thought, or a bad breakup, or a death in the family, or some amazing joy they experience. That experience gets written onto paper, and then a melody is crafted to tell the story. Next, the melody and story get played to an audience of 1 or many, judged and ridiculed. Then that artist takes that little piece of their soul and pays a whole lot of money to musicians, sound engineers, producers, mixers, and replicators and eventually, the song gets put out to the world for all to hear. That one song, that one melody, can crush an artist, or create a burn to tell more stories in song, and make that artist into a king or queen in the music industry. That one song that this artist has poured their entire selves into, can define them, or bury them. Some of these amazing songs never get heard. That’s the one thing outsiders are probably unaware of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I aim to be the most professional I can be and  I want people to know that I’m a hard worker; that I spend time learning the music, make an effort to look put together and be professional and a team player, I don’t drink while I’m working, I don’t smoke.  My gear is quality and I keep up with repairs or replacements, and my instruments are one of a kind high quality craftsmanship and they sound good live or recorded, and I play in tune! All this to say, that I’ve worked really hard to be the absolute best I can be for that performance. I know that I can always be better, always learning, and that I’m never going to be the best on the block. I realize there’s always someone out there more talented than me, or with a different skill set that can take my gig, so I try to make myself irreplaceable. Recently, I’ve been advised by many of those I look up to that I need to hone in on playing acoustic guitar and mandolin. So, I bought really nice instruments and have been working on that. I want to always be ready to say “YES!” – something one of my college professors and good friend, Cary C. Banks taught me – that I’ve finally put into practice 20 years later. Hey, it’s not too late to learn something new! This challenge had really bitten me in the past, getting passed over for really big artist gigs, and that almost made me leave music, to be honest. I’ve had a few dark days in my recent career, but I just realized it’s part of the process and I’m where I’m supposed to be. That lesson was created to drive me to continue to be an even better player. It’s also given me inspiration to start writing my own music and performing my own works. My new band, Gone With the West has also inspired me to write and be more creative in many aspects of music, not just the playing. Stay tuned for more about this, because we have big things coming!  

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great question! There’s so much Nashville has to offer! Everyone comes to Lower Broadway as we locals call it, to take in the honky-tonks and live music. That’s a good place to start – but it’s also a very small piece of Nashville’s live music scene. Many local small bars and restaurants have live music every night! Some host writer’s rounds, where you’ll see a lineup of 3 or 4 writers/artists that are showcasing their newest or best songs – hoping to catch the ear of a publishing label, recording artist, other writer, record label, etc. Others just have live music for listening pleasure for the guests, and this music can be all originals, all cover songs or a mix. The locals like to frequent the Music Valley trio of clubs over by the Opryland Hotel and mall, where you can also find some unique shops and dining options! As far as local foods, there’s a whole gamut of styles of food that I haven’t even tried yet! My favorites are Jack’s BBQ (they cater to local musicians at the Broadway location, so I like to give them my business once in a while!). Next to Jack’s is Robert’s Western World, where you can hear real country music all day long and get a fried bologna sandwich, a bag of chips, an authentic moon pie and a PBR (or I get the root beer), all for less that $10! Don’t forget to tip the band and waitress!
People frequent the Loveless Cafe as well as the Pancake Pantry, if you don’t mind waiting in line. Wendell Smith’s is a really cool take-you-back-to-the-diner days experience! Good meat-and-3 family owned, local restaurant. Across the street is Bobby’s Dairy Dip!
At Christmas Time, Nashville goes all out – there’s all sorts of things to do! Drive-thru light shows, dinner shows at the Opryland Hotel and General Jackson Showboat, neighborhood light shows and parades! There’s just so much!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh gosh, there’s honestly so many to give credit to my career! After all, I don’t believe any person has completely gotten to where they are by themselves. I’ve been inspired by many fiddle players throughout my life. In different seasons, I’ve been drawn to and admired one or another based on where I am in my path. Starting out, my inspiration came from my Aunt Bettie, who taught me to play. As I grew up and performed in fiddle contests, my drive came from those players I competed against. I always wanted to play better, and win the next one! In college, I was inspired by my professor, the late Joe Carr. He was so patient with me and really worked hard to get me out of my shell, telling me to “Play more like Amanda!” (Amanda Shires, fellow South Plains College alum) Next, I discovered Johnny Gimble and the Texas Playboys, and Western Swing became my new love. All I wanted to do was eat up that style of music! After college, I moved to Nashville, and my inspiration came from other female fiddle players in the industry who were playing all the honky-tonks and on tours with big artists – Carmella Ramsey, Loretta Brank, Wanda Vick, Deanie Richardson, Kristy Jo Mellons, just to name a few. I made friends with all of them, and still do with new folks I meet. I’m always studying how others play and perform. Recently, my inspiration is from Jenee Fleenor, who’s the fiddle queen right now, playing on everyone’s records and has toured with some of the biggest names in music! I’m always striving to be a better player, because I know that’s what will take me onto the next big thing – whatever that may be!

Website: www.thebarefootfiddler.com

Instagram: @thebarefootfiddler

Facebook: @thebarefootfiddler

Youtube: @thebarefootfiddler

Other: Gone With the West band – my new supergroup: www.gonewiththewestmusic.com, Instagram @gonewiththewestmusic, Facebook @gonewiththewestmusic

Image Credits
Durant Studios Mandy Shucher

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