We were lucky to catch up with Eric Byford recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eric , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
This is a good question and one I haven’t had before but I talk about quite often. With my father passing when I was two, I watched my mom work three jobs to keep the lights on. I learned early on if you wanted to something then it was on you to go out and make it happen. I’m a firm believer in if you want it bad enough you will put in all the work necessary to make it happen. You simply have to be not only willing to put in the work necessary especially when you don’t “feel like it” but also embrace the opportunity presented to get closer to where you want to be. Mistakes will be made but they only lead you closer to the goal if you can acknowledge them, leave them be and move on with your life. I believe in always putting your best foot forward even in acknowledging mistakes, taking ownership in all you do and believing you are always working for the job, position or outcome you want. If you’re willing to outwork everyone
that operates in the space you create in, believe that everything is possible while being comfortable with the unknown and at the same time being open to all that’s possible, you will move the needle to your favor. There’s two pains you will have. One of discipline and one of disappointment.
Simply put, you and only you, determine your happiness or misery so why not embrace the journey to happiness. That’s always requires a ton of work but why anything of substance does.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I create and produce live music events in Nashville as well am Film Producer. I launched Country in Color February 2024 in downtown Nashville which creates a platform for non traditional multi cultured artists with the goal of changing the narrative by providing an opportunity for these artists to be seen and heard. Country in Color is a monthly showcase on historic Broadway hosted by Brei Carter and DJ TopNotch.
Being a Nashville native aka dinosaur, I wanted to create an opportunity for these artists to spread their art to the world. Secondly as Nashville continues to change and grow, so have the crowds and visitors.
In my heart and mind, I wanted to present the full spectrum of music this city has to offer. We work daily on creating the lineups, promotions and looking for likeminded sponsors.
We give the artists an opportunity to play on Broadway and leave with the assets needed to create more opportunities to continue being seen and heard.
I’m working on a very special event at the end of year to finish our year off with a bang.
I’m also working on my 5th Anniversary Music City Cares Veterans Day Benefit Show held on 11/11, Veteran’s Day. This event honors my deceased grandfather who passed away with his military records and secrets still classified. I was with Charlie Daniels at the last Volunteer Jam in ‘18, and am using his blueprint to grow this event to make Nashville the shining example to the world how we honor the men and women who signed up to protect our country.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe the three qualities needed to not in only embark on this journey is persistence, unrattled determination and an iron will powered by a righteous heart to do the right things for the right reasons. You have to believe wholeheartedly in what you’re doing and know your why. I’m always open to advice. You have to be. The old saying if you’re the smartest person in the room find a new room holds true.
Surround yourself with those who believe you and the mission but also bring their skills and abilities to the table that aid all involved. You will never have all the answers but never quit asking questions and listening to those who offer you wisdom and insight. You won’t always see eye to eye but open dialogue and the ability to communicate will serve you well if you allow it.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking for opportunities to create collaboration, align myself and my events with like minded sponsors and strategic partners. It takes a small army to pull these events off. From conception to production, the dream is only reality when the team strives together to bring all those involved with their assets to the table. It’s a lot of asking and a lot of no’s but those only bring you closer to a yes.
If anyone would like to know more please don’t hesitate to email me at ebxprod@gmail. com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: BookofByford
- Facebook: Eric Byford
- Linkedin: Eric Byford
Image Credits
Thayne Media
