Nashville is a music city.
The spiritual home of country music, Nashville has broadened in recent years with Kings Of Leon, Mona and more erupting out of the city. The Silver Seas are cult heroes in Nashville, with their golden pop music recalling lost talents such as Big Star, The Everly Brothers and more.
Very much in a classic songwriting vein, the group’s new album ‘Chateau Revenge’ is easy on the ears. The fulfilment of years of work, The Silver Seas are planning to pack their bags and head to the UK.
Leaving behind their native Nashville, ClashMusic decided to track down singer Daniel Tashian and get the band to give us a guide to the city just as homesickness creeps in…
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What is the first place someone should visit in Nashville?
If you can’t get a room at my mom’s house, I suggest checking in at The Hutton Hotel (for swank and a good bar), or Hotel Indigo if you’re on a tighter budget.
What is the best restaurant?
Margot Café is hands down my favorite place to eat. http://www.margotcafe.com/
But if you want a truly unique southern food experience also try brunch at Monell’s in Germantown and Prince’s Hot Chicken.
What is the best bar?
Patterson House has taken the classic speakeasy to new heights! Try the Bacon Old Fashioned. Or on the flip side, check out Robert’s Western World (more below).
Where can you get the best view?
There’s a pedestrian bridge downtown that crosses the Cumberland River. Looking back at 1st Avenue from the middle of the bridge is really nice, and probably pretty close to what it looked like 150 years ago.
Name a real hidden gem about the city?
It’s not really hidden, but for a local, the tourist-y part of Lower Broadway is generally avoided, with one great exception: Robert’s Western World http://robertswesternworld.com/
The bands there are always incredible. After seeing a show at the Ryman, Robert’s (across the alley) is a must-do honky tonk for cheap beer and great music.
Is there something quite famous that really shouldn’t be / is over hyped in the city?
At the risk of making some enemies, I’ll say that I never got the hype about The Pancake Pantry. The best breakfast in Nashville is Athens Family Restaurant on 8th Ave.
Is there an activity you would really recommend doing?
The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball team here and they often have afternoon games in the summer. A great lunchtime diversion is to buy a cheap ticket, get a beer and a hot dog and enjoy a few innings of baseball.
What is the best music venue?
The Basement, just underneath Grimey’s Record Shop. http://www.thebasementnashville.com/
Favourite Nashville record shop?
Grimey’s, just above The Basement
http://grimeys.com/
Favourite Nashville band?
The Everly Brothers.
Least favorite aspect about Nashville life?
Our public transportation sucks. And you can’t buy wine in a grocery store.
Favourite Nashville memory?
I’ve lived here all my life! Way too many to list!
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‘Chateau Revenge’ is out now.
