Mike Plume ... The Nashville Smokers Club

Nashville, Music, and Life: Conversations with Mike Plume

Ever wondered what makes Nashville so magnetic for musicians and music lovers alike? Or how stories, songs, and life weave together in the journey of a songwriter? If you're craving insights into the music scene, storytelling, and the personal tales behind the sounds, you're in the right place. In this post, I sit down with singer-songwriter Mike Plume for an evocative chat about his adventures, inspirations, and the magic that binds it all together.

Having spent years touring with legends like Steve Earle and immersing himself in Nashville's rich musical history, Mike offers a front-row seat into the stories behind the songs, the studios, and the city’s tapestry of talent. Whether you're a fan of storytelling, songwriting, or just love a good yarn about life on the road, this conversation will resonate. Let’s dive into Nashville tales, songwriting wisdom, and personal stories that highlight how music threads through all of our lives.

Nashville: More Than Just a City

Nashville is often called the "Music City," but what is it about this place that keeps drawing artists back? Mike Plume shares that Nashville's magic lies in its rich history and its accessibility. It’s a town where legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash made their mark—places like Sun Studio and RCA Studio B are hallowed grounds that continue to inspire.

Mike reflects on how you can bump into someone like Keith Urban or Nicole Kidman just walking down the street or sitting in a coffee shop...or at least you could when they were still together. The city’s atmosphere is vibrant yet down-to-earth, a place where the story of music is written in the streets, studios, and even the sidewalks. He highlights how these iconic spots—like the Sound Emporium and Sun Studio—hold stories of hits that changed music and continue to do so.

He notes, "When you stand in those places, you realize how much history is stitched into every brick. It’s like walking through a living museum." For anyone longing to experience authentic musical roots, Nashville remains a point of pilgrimage—a city where legends are made, and stories are alive.

Storytelling and Songwriting

One of the highlights of our conversation touches on how songwriting is less about hitting perfect notes and more about capturing stories. Mike emphasizes that great songs are like stones in a stream—smooth and timeless, with years of wear revealing their true beauty.

He explains his process: "Writing a song is like building a chair. You start with something rough, then work and sand it down until it’s just right." For him, the key is patience. He shares that some of his songs took years to develop—like "Waiting for the Fall," which he worked on over 11 years. This patience allows the story to reveal itself naturally.

Mike also talks about working with songwriting legends like Guy Clark, who taught him the importance of trimming the fat—keeping it simple, clear, and impactful. "You don’t need to say she ran quickly. You just say she looked longingly, and that’s enough," he illustrates.

He marvels at how great songs—like those of Townes Van Zandt or Guy Clark—are like ancient stream-worn stones: perfect, with no rough edges. They are the culmination of years of polishing and storytelling.

Nashville Stories, Famous Faces, and Personal Encounters

No discussion about Nashville is complete without mentioning the famous folks—Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, and even a brush with Don Henley. Mike recounts the time he and friends sat at Martin’s Barbecue when Henley wandered in, sunglasses on, casually looking to meet someone. The moment was surreal but approachable—how Nashville invites giants like Henley into everyday life.

He also shares amusing anecdotes of running into Keith Urban at a coffee shop, where he and his brother Chris exchanged nods with the country superstar. "It’s a town where you can be sitting next to a One Night Only legend without even realizing it," he notes.

The city’s intimate vibe means everyone is just a few degrees apart from stardom. Mike finds it fascinating how trailblazers from different genres—country, rock, folk—constantly cross paths in Nashville’s corridors. It’s this mix of stories that keeps the city's spirit vibrant.

Family, Growth, and Musical Legacy

Beyond the iconic studios and legendary encounters, our chat delves into personal stories. Mike talks about his family, especially his daughter Ruby, who’s showing promising signs of following his musical footsteps. She’s recently enrolled at Berklee College of Music, but her journey began unexpectedly during the pandemic when she picked up the guitar.

He admits that he didn't foresee her musical path—her athletic talents in biking and hockey overshadowed that. But seeing her now immersed in music, he feels proud and in awe. “It’s remarkable how kids can change lives. The first five years are so crucial, and watching her grow into this musician has been a gift,” he says.

Mike shares stories of their travels, the inspirations from Nashville, and the serendipity of life’s turns—like meeting Guy Clark, the importance of storytelling in his songs, and how artists influence each other across generations. His humility and love for the craft shine through, proving that music isn’t just about fame but about connection and storytelling.

Craft, Patience, and Living the Stories

From our conversation, it’s clear that great songwriting and meaningful living share common roots: patience, storytelling, and authenticity. Mike emphasizes that the best songs often emerge after years of reworking and listening—like fishing, where the reel slowly tightens around a big catch.

He advises aspiring musicians: "Don’t rush your work. Keep polishing, keep editing. Sometimes the song takes a decade to find its voice, and that’s okay." His own journey with songs like "Waiting for the Fall" illustrates that perseverance pays off.

And more broadly, Nashville remains a city of stories—every corner, studio, and encounter adding to the collective musical legacy. Whether it’s stumbling into a star at a coffee shop or standing in a historic studio, the stories are what make the music real.

Final Words

If you’re inspired by stories of music, friendship, and the pursuit of craft, you’ll appreciate Mike Plume’s reflections. His journey underscores that songwriting isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life, shaped over decades of patience and passion. And as he puts it, “The stories you tell are the ones that last forever.”

For more about Mike’s work and stories, visit mikeplume.com. And if you enjoyed these insights, keep exploring the stories behind the songs—they’re all around us.