"The music business is a very complex business. For a new artist, it's all about timing," said David Nail, Kennett native and up and coming country music artist.
Nail has completed his debut album. His first single, "Memphis" was recently released.
" 'Memphis' was a good introductory song, but I'm now looking at other singles to release from the album that might have a little more depth to it, and with legs to stand on," Nail said. "Things change in the music business every day, but I think it's safe to say that there will be another single released before Christmas."
He said he was also traveling to radio stations all over the country letting people know who he is and what he's about.
"I'm pretty much on call all the time. I've learned to keep a suitcase ready so I'm always prepared to head out the door at a moment's notice," Nail said.
Nail said he is on the road often. He said, "It's hard work and it's never easy. But I never look at it as work, I look at it as what I do."
Nail was sceduled to perform in Farmington, Mo. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Farmington Civic Center, opening for Wynona Judd. Nail said he looked forward to coming to perform in Southeast Missouri.
"I love coming back home to Missouri. It's great to run into people who know where Kennett is or who have been there or who are from there," he said. "It's even better to be able to perform for your friends and your family."
However, Wynona has canceled the concert. Nail said he was disappointed that he wouldn't be able to play at home. He said he was unsure if and when the concert would be rescheduled.
Nail grew up with music. His father, Dennis, was the band director at Kennett High School. Nail said while growing up he was exposed to every kind of music.
"My dad had just about any type of music imaginable. When I was a kid I thought it was terrible," Nail said. "But once I got older I found myself looking for those types of music, and wanting to listen to them. I still go out now and buy the things my dad used to listen to when I was a kid."
Nail said his father has always been a big influence. Another influence on him is Viretta Sexton.
"She was my choir teacher in school. She was the one who encouraged me to follow my dream. She had confidence in me that not many have had. She was the one who encouraged me to go to Nashville. She's been like a second mother to me," Nail said.
Nail said he can talk to her about anything, from his career in music to any personal problems he might be facing.
He first became infatuated with country music during a talent show in high school when he heard Travis Tritt's "Anymore" being performed.
"It was such a powerful song. It has affected my life since," Nail said.
He said it was an easy decision to pursue country music.
"I love all sorts of music. But, I'm from Kennett, and it doesn't get any more country than where I'm from. As soon as I say one word everyone knows I'm a country boy. I know that any type of music I'm going to perform is going to sound country, so that's what kind of music I've decided to sing," Nail said.
Nail said that he tries to write all the songs he sings. He said he wrote or co-wrote six of the 11 songs on his debut album.
"Sometimes it's very hard and sometimes it's very easy to write songs," he said. "Sometimes it just falls out of the sky, onto the page and out of my guitar."
Nail said his inspiration comes from everyday things.
"When something touches me I think I naturally grab for a pen and paper and start to put it to music. I don't do it for profit, or to make a million dollars off of someone's feelings. I do it because there is a need inside me that compels me to do it," he said.
One of Nail's most personal and private songs he's written is called "Why". He said he was on a cruiseship when the idea came to him. It took him only 25 minutes to write down.
"At first I thought it was too personal to ever perform in public," Nail said. "But then, as I told more and more people about it I realized how many can relate to the song. I realized that I owe it to the people to put it out for them."
The song is about a couple in a relationship, Nail said. He said it is about the man who is unintentionally angry with the ones he loves. Nail said the man acknowledges his anger problems and knows he needs to get help before he loses all the people he loves around him.
"Sometimes we're bad and sometimes we're ugly to those who love us the most. I think we're like this because we know they'll still be there," Nail said. "But that's not always the case. We shouldn't take them for granted."
Nail said it served as his medicine, and released some of those same feelings he'd been having.
"That is why it is such a personal and special song for me," he said.
"Why" is included on his debut album.
In the fall of 1999 Nail said he moved to Nashville, Tenn. for the second time in his life.
"For awhile I didn't do anything, but I felt the vibe of the city," Nail said.
Eventually Nail said he met Keith Stegall, a producer and vice president of his record label, Mercury Records.
"Keith discovered Alan Jackson and he has helped me and helped give my music direction," Nail said. "He's molded me into the artist I am now."
Nail concedes that he hopes his endeavors into the music career are successful. But, it would be okay if he doesn't do as well as he hopes.
"I've done things many people haven't done. I've met great artists like Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Matchbox Twenty and Bon Jovi. These are good times in my life. And as long as I can continue to reach people with my music, and continue to play, I will be doing something I love," he said.
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