One evening while stopping by my favorite meeting place in East Nashville, The Family Wash, I overheard an interview being taped for NPR about the East Nashville music scene. There was talk of a new compilation being released that showcased some of the best and brightest from the 37206 zip code. Family Wash owner and music guru Jamie Rubin verified this information, and added that his own project, Circus Dog Serenade had made it onto the upcoming two-disk compilation.
Out of town engagements kept me from attending the packed the CD release parties, but fortunately I was able to get my hands on a copy. The CD is truly impressive, and confirms all the hype about East Nashville being a major epicenter of musical talent. “The Other Side: Music from East Nashville” walks the walk after so much talk from regional and national press about East Nashville’s Music scene.
The compilation was produced and directed by Eric Brace, frontman for one of Nashville’s finest acts, Last Train Home. Eric recently talked with us about his latest brainchild and his Record Label, Red Beet Records:
NS: You moved to Nashville From DC a few years ago with your band, Last Train Home. What precipitated the move?

NS:Did the whole band move together, or was it one-by-one?
NS: A record label is an easy project in theory, but despite what folks might think, takes a huge amount of effort and self-sacrifice to make happen, especially when it comes to raising money and putting your neck out for artists. What made you decide to take a leap of faith?
NS: The Other Side has received a warm reception from critics, and has invigorated an ongoing movement among the folks of East Nashville to establish an identity for the folks across the river from Music Row. What inspired this album? What make East Nashville important?
NS: A lot of networking went into bringing together such a diverse roster of talent, and despite disgruntled rumblings from those who were omitted, the selections are actually quite inclusive. Could you tell us about the process of selecting your artists?
NS:Who were the most valuable players on this project? Those who helped you make it a realilty?
NS: What’s next for RedBeetRedords?
The Turnip Truck
970 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
www.theturniptruck.com
615-650-3600V flowers.gifts
114 S. 11th St.
Nashville, TN 37206
www.seethev.com
615-262-2528Alegria
307 North 16th St.
Nashville, TN 37206
www.alegriagifts.com
615-227-8566
Art & Invention Gallery
1106 Woodland Ave.
Nashville, TN 37206
www.artandinvention.com
615-226-2070
Bongo Java East Cafe
107 S. 11th St.
Nashville, TN 37206
www.bongojava.com
615-777-EAST
The 5 Spot
1006 Forrest Ave.
Nashville, TN 37206
www.the5spot.net
615-650-9333
Davis-Kidd Booksellers
2121 Green Hills Village Dr.
Nashville, TN 37215
www.daviskidd.com
615-385-2645
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
1604 8th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.grimeys.com
615-254-4801
Katy K’s Ranch Dressing
2407 12th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.katyk.com
615-297-4242
-Ernie Gray