Many people go to Nashville, TN in search of an illustrious career in music. It’s many people’s dream, so they end up in the heart of the music industry playing in bars and basements in a desperate attempt to make it big in the music world. Some succeed. Many more don’t. They spend most of their lives trying to achieve a dream in a cutthroat profession where chances are few and far between.
Larry Kloess saw this and decided he could do something about it. Could he make every single person who came to Nashville seeking glory find it? No, but he could give as many people as he could a chance. In 2012, Kloess and a long list of supporters started their business called “Cause a Scene” based in his hometown of Nashville, TN. His business was set right in a liquid network for music, the heartbeat of songs.
Cause a Scene is a blogging/booking agency for up-and-coming artists who are looking for their big break. It all began with a blog giving tips and tricks to success in the music industry, as well as exploring the wonders of music. “There is an inherent joy in music, and we plan on celebrating that joy with every post,” Kloess says, describing how he approaches each blog post. However, the blog grew from there. They started selling new music and content from their readers, promoting artists. Kloess hoped that people would come to his site in order to find new music that they wouldn’t have found otherwise.
From there, this online business grew even bigger. They began hosting, curating, promoted, and sold concerts for the same musicians selling music on the site. They’ve booked large traditional venues, but when those weren’t available, they got creative. Kloess began booking concerts in people’s houses, or the basements of homes and warehouses. No place was too strange. Kloess just hoped to give these musicians a chance, the chance they’ve always wanted.
In the first four years of Cause a Scene’s existence, they’ve hosted over 200 concerts in a large variety of venues. Over 700 musicians from around the nation have performed in these concerts all over the greater Nashville area. Kloess is causing a scene in the music industry by giving people a shot. Once they get that shot, now talent shines through.
Kloess was a super smart entrepreneur who noticed the tension in areas like Nashville, TN where fame and fortune are advertised but not often achieved. Seeing his determination in helping the one start up musician get their “big break” was really interesting and inspiring. We all have dreams we want to achieve so why not be someone who helps people reach those goals and aspirations. Investing in people like this is not an easy task but most definitely rewarding when completed. Entrepreneurs can learn from Kloess’ compassion for others. Great post!