Surviving The Music Industry

Just eight hours after Labor Day Jason and Brandon caught up with Nashville’s hottest session guitarist, Derek Wells. Derek was born in Nashville, Arkansas and he lives in Nashville, Tennessee. So it’s safe to say Derek is from Nashville. The music industry is all Derek has known since birth. Both parents have very successful careers in the industry and Derek shares what it was like growing up on Keith Whitley’s and Dolly Parton's bus. Derek really got serious about playing music at a very surprising age and he never went back to journalism school. Let’s just say this, Derek had a very real understanding what he was up against coming from Music City. He dove in head first in his parents basement and learned everything that he could because he felt the talent bar was set in Nashville, and if he was going to be a musician he had to work harder. He waited tables and practiced until landing his first pro gig with Josh Turner. Through time, more gigs, and some road lessons, he made the shift to playing sessions. D