With the second season of Nashville released on DVD last month, we’re looking back at the 22 episodes with some of our favourite moments, and reasons why we think you should watch. Everything from an insight into the music business, the challenges of sexuality, transitioning from country to pop music but more than anything else, it’s all about the MUSIC.
1. You get the inside look into the life of country music celebrity in all its highs and lows.
2. The music is incredible. It’s all sorts of country music, highlighting the different “artists” involved in the show, and the various scenes that exist in the real Nashville. Gospel, especially vibrant in the second series, Country Rock, Country & Western styles. And many of the actors are musicians or singers themselves!
3. You get to see the highlights of the real Nashville – from musical iconography like the Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman to the Bluebird Cafe (shown in the clip below), the series from start to finish showcases just what an integral city Nashville is to the musical landscape that is the American South.
4. An insight into the music business. It’s not just about the relationships, it’s about the business deals, the producers, the labels, the managers, who will support the band.
5. Females doin’ it for themselves! In season 2, Reayna James opens her own record label, Highway 65, showcasing not only the competition of starting your own business in the music industry, especially in a city like Nashville, but also giving one of the show’s focus characters the opportunity to move even further ahead in the industry than her male counterparts.
6. Difficulties of homosexuality in the Southwest of the USA, especially in the public eye. This is particularly experienced through the character of Will Lexington, played by Chris Carmack.
7. In Season Two, we watch Country Diva Juliette Barnes almost get lured into the pop scene of LA. It’s fun to watch the contrast of the two very different worlds.
8. Addresses the darker side of celebrity, e.g. Juliette Barnes accidently making faux pas with the media and constantly becoming demonized.
