Interview: Chaz Mazzota, the Renaissance Man of Nashville Pop

Nashville has changed dramatically over the past ten years. What excites you most about today’s music scene?

The biggest shift is that artists don’t have to wait for permission anymore. You can write a song, record it, film the content, build a fan-base, and sell tickets all on your own. That’s incredibly exciting because talent isn’t limited by gatekeepers anymore.

Is Nashville still “Music City,” or has it become something entirely different?

I think it’s still Music City, but the definition has expanded. It’s no longer just country music and record labels. It’s become a city full of creators building careers in every genre imaginable.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for independent artists today?

Owning your audience. Social media changes constantly, but artists who build genuine communities through live shows, email lists, and consistent content are creating sustainable careers.

What inspired you to start Nashville Pop?

I kept meeting incredible artists that nobody knew existed. Nashville has endless talent, but most artists struggle because they don’t have access to affordable content, promotion, or community. Nashville Pop was built to solve that.

What gap were you trying to fill in Nashville’s music community?

Connection.

There are thousands of musicians here, but many still feel isolated. We wanted to create a place where artists could meet each other, collaborate, and actually grow together instead of competing for the same opportunities.

How has the project evolved since you launched it?

It started as a playlist. Today it’s become an entire ecosystem with Artist Night, live sessions, Artist Spotlight events, interviews, educational content, and production services. Everything is designed to help independent artists move forward.

Have you discovered any artists you think are on the verge of breaking nationally?

Absolutely. That’s one of my favorite parts of what we do. There are artists playing our events today that I genuinely believe people will know in a few years. Nashville is full of future stars.

What separates artists who succeed from artists who disappear?

Consistency.

Talent gets people interested. Consistency builds careers.

The artists who keep showing up—even when nobody is watching—are usually the ones still here five years later.

What’s the biggest mistake new artists make when they move to Nashville?

Trying to take before they give.

The artists who immediately ask, “How can I get on your playlist?” usually struggle.

The artists who show up, support others, build relationships, and become part of the community tend to create opportunities naturally.

How important is social media compared to songwriting today?

They’re both essential.

A great song gives people a reason to care. Social media gives them a chance to find it.

One without the other is a much harder road.

If you had only six months to launch a brand-new artist, what would your strategy be?

I’d focus less on chasing viral moments and more on building trust.

Release consistently, play live, collaborate often, collect emails, make content every week, and become known inside your local community before trying to conquer the internet.

How has AI changed music production?

AI has made creating easier, but it hasn’t made connection easier.

People still connect with honest stories and authentic artists. AI is becoming another tool, not a replacement for creativity.

Are artists producing more music at home now than ever before?

Without question.

The quality you can achieve from a bedroom today would’ve required an expensive studio not that long ago.

What makes a song stand out in your studio?

Honesty.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to make me believe the person singing it.

When you’re producing someone, what do you look for first—the voice, the writing, or the personality?

The story behind it.

A great performance usually comes from understanding what someone is actually trying to say.

You seem to wear a lot of hats—producer, videographer, marketer, songwriter. Is that becoming the new normal?

I think it has to be.

Independent artists are building small businesses now. The more skills you understand, the more control you have over your career.

Can musicians still make a living strictly from recording music?

For most independent artists, probably not.

The musicians building sustainable careers usually have multiple income streams that all support each other.

What revenue streams are keeping independent artists alive today?

Live shows, merchandise, sync licensing, teaching, Patreon, production work, content creation, and direct fan support.

The modern artist is incredibly diversified.

Are you seeing a resurgence of pop in Nashville?

Definitely.

Nashville has become one of the most collaborative pop cities in the country while still maintaining its songwriting roots.

What genres are growing fastest?

Pop continues to grow, but we’re also seeing genre lines disappear.

Artists are blending pop, country, indie, hip-hop, folk, and electronic music more than ever.

Are collaborations becoming more important than record labels?

Relationships have always mattered.

Today, collaborations can open just as many doors as traditional industry connections because audiences love discovering artists through other artists.

Has TikTok changed the way songs are written?

For some people, yes.

But I think the songs that last are still the ones written honestly, not the ones designed around an algorithm.

Why is community so important for independent musicians?

Because nobody builds a career alone.

Community creates collaborations, friendships, opportunities, accountability, and support when things inevitably get difficult.

What advice would you give someone moving to Nashville tomorrow?

Go to everything.

Meet people without expecting anything in return.

Your relationships will shape your career far more than your demo recordings.

What do you hope Nashville Pop becomes five years from now?

I hope it becomes one of the first places artists think of when they move to Nashville—a trusted community where they know they’ll find opportunities, friendships, and resources to build a real career.

What’s a project you’re most proud of that most people don’t know about?

Artist Night.

Every Monday, dozens of artists, producers, photographers, videographers, and music fans come together simply to support each other. So many collaborations and friendships have started there, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

Is there an artist you’ve worked with who completely surprised you?

Honestly, almost every Artist Spotlight reminds me why I love doing this.

Some of the most unforgettable performances come from artists I’d never heard before they walked through the door.

What’s the next big thing you’re building?

I’m focused on making Nashville Pop an even stronger platform for independent artists by expanding our live sessions, educational resources, production opportunities, and community events.

The goal is simple: remove as many barriers as possible so artists can spend more time creating.

What keeps you inspired after all these years?

Watching artists hit milestones.

Whether it’s someone’s first sold-out show, first million streams, or simply seeing them believe in themselves again—that never gets old.

Rock At Night has always been interested in artists before they become household names. Who are three Nashville artists that our readers should start paying attention to right now, and why?

I’d probably avoid picking artists based on friendship and instead choose artists you’ve genuinely watched grow.

Some names that immediately come to mind are:

• Alex Bonyata — One of the strongest pop writers and performers I’ve worked with. Every release feels intentional, and he continues to level up.
• Grace Day — She has a voice that’s instantly recognizable and writes with an honesty that cuts through. She’s the kind of artist people remember after hearing one song.
• Ben Schuller — He’s quietly built an incredibly impressive catalog and has the work ethic to match. I think a lot more people are about to discover what he’s been creating.

(If there are three artists you feel even more strongly about, I’d use those instead. This answer will probably get shared.)

You’ve built a career around helping other artists succeed. When people look back ten years from now, what do you hope your legacy in Nashville will be? Is it the music, the artists you’ve helped, or the community you’ve built?

I hope it’s the community.

The songs are important, and I’m proud of the music I’ve made, but music eventually becomes history. Communities keep creating new stories.

If artists look back and say Nashville Pop gave them their first opportunity, introduced them to lifelong collaborators, or made them feel like they belonged in this city, I’ll consider that my greatest accomplishment.