Nashville Black Music Roundtable Explores Industry Insights

This year’s roundtable discussion on Black popular music in Nashville takes a forward-looking approach, focusing on the future rather than solely reflecting on the past. The conversation aims to be predictive as well as retrospective, examining the current status of Black music within the city and its broader national context.

Two participants, Erica Hayes Schultz and Justin Causey, were selected for their informed perspectives on the subject. Erica Hayes Schultz has an extensive background in radio, including long-running programs Soul of the City on WXNA and The Brunch on WNXP. She is also an educator who spotlights emerging and established artists in contemporary soul and R&B. Justin Causey hosts WXNA’s The Corner and co-hosts WNXP’s Cashville Radio, and his work includes content production and design collaborations with Nashville musicians. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Prospects for Black Popular Music

Erica Hayes Schultz expressed optimism about the future of Black popular music in Nashville, noting increased creativity and the emergence of new sounds in 2025. She highlighted artists like Shelldhn, who blends early-2000s R&B influences with a fresh perspective. Justin Causey shared similar optimism, emphasizing the growing recognition and establishment of talented Black acts within the industry.

Emerging Local Musicians

Erica Hayes Schultz anticipates significant impact from artists including Summer Joy, Shelldhn, Vibeout, Tim Gent, Ron Gilmore, Brian Brown, Lord Goldie, and Foundation Mecca, noting their contributions to the Nashville scene and support of fellow musicians. Justin Causey identified Tim Gent, Daisha McBride, 2’Live Bre, Sweet Poison, Summer Joy, Shelldhn, Ashley Emj, Jack Vinoy, Jyou, K.O.N, Blvck Wizzle, and Chuck Indigo as artists laying the groundwork for future success, alongside talented songwriters, producers, and instrumentalists.

The Nashville Sound in Black Music

Erica Hayes Schultz believes a distinct “Nashville sound” in Black popular music is developing, moving beyond previous attempts to replicate established styles. She observes artists creating unique sounds that reflect their personal stories and influences, leading to increased attention from broader entertainment spheres. Justin Causey attributes a unique musicality to Nashville Black music, stemming from the prevalence of church and choir backgrounds among artists, resulting in thoughtful and heartfelt performances.

Improving Opportunities for Black Musicians

Erica Hayes Schultz emphasized the need for Black artists to have strong PR and management teams, particularly those experienced in promoting Black music. She also pointed to venue limitations, including inadequate advertising and high costs, as obstacles to growth. She suggested that more Black-owned venues and increased demand for diverse music could help address these issues. Justin Causey advocated for educational support for artists, highlighting the importance of understanding the music business beyond recording and releasing music. He also called for labels to support local talent rather than prioritizing transplants with existing followings and urged a shift away from a competitive “crab-in-the-barrel” mentality.

Collaboration Across Genres

Erica Hayes Schultz affirmed that various communities within local Black music, including R&B, soul, hip-hop, country, and gospel, are able to collaborate effectively, citing examples of artists working together in production, songwriting, and as backing musicians. She noted the role of collective spaces like HOME in East Nashville and noncountry writers’ rounds in fostering connections. Justin Causey pointed to the acceptance of BigXThaPlug into the country scene as an example of successful collaboration and highlighted the work of Origins Music Group in supporting Black artists in country music, referencing the historical role of Black artists in creating country music.

Staying in Nashville or Seeking Opportunities Elsewhere

Erica Hayes Schultz advises aspiring musicians to start in Nashville, citing its creative environment and manageable size compared to larger cities. She suggests developing a unique sound, collaborating with touring musicians, and being receptive to new musical ideas. Justin Causey strongly encourages musicians to remain in Nashville, believing it to be a launching pad to the wider world and emphasizing the importance of demonstrating talent to local labels.