So GMA Week 2007 has come to a close. It was a busy week to be sure with very little sleep, but it was still a ton of fun. I’m really glad I went down. I flew for the first time since I was three, I lived in downtown Nashville for a few days, I met up with some old friends and made some new ones, I had both fun and interesting interviews, I could put faces to those I have been working with for years, and the list could go on. It truly was a great experience.

Here is a list of my thoughts on the place, the week itself, and the Dove Awards. Tomorrow I will post my favorites of the week, so look out for that.

Nashville
First of all, there’s the city. From what I had experienced in Nashville, I really loved what I saw. The city was quite beautiful and the people were all genuinely nice, with the exception of one of the McDonalds employees who was sort of emotionless. I was honestly expecting cowboy city, but I only saw a massive amount of them on Sunday night. Ha. During the week it was mostly suits and (I’m assuming) tourists walking around aside from those attending GMA.

The few venues I attended for showcases and what not were pretty cool too. I really liked BB Kings, even if the sound was pretty rough…

The architecture on some of the buildings was quite impressive. Then with all of the trees and landscapes, it helped add to the overall homey nature. It really felt like a small town.

Honestly, if I good job came up and I was able to work out the whole working in the States thing, I think I’d actually consider the relocation. But who knows what the future has in store.

GMA Week 2007
As previously mentioned, the week itself was crazy. I was constantly running around, consuming lots of water, and sweating due to the warmer temperatures. My back got a little sore from carrying the heavy backpack everywhere, but it was worth it. It was fun to walk around the Renaissance and Hilton Hotels, both of which are quite amazing to look at inside and out. I was especially impressed with the Hilton and its lobby.

It was also fun to run into people I knew from the Ontario music scene. It helped make the event a little more familiar…

Another cool aspect of the week was seeing how many people were familiar with me and the site. I was expecting to do a fair bit of self promotion down there, but pretty much every one at labels, management, companies, and even the artists themselves knew myself and the site. I really appreciate everyone’s support.

Of course, I have to mention that the best part of all was finally seeing my longtime friends Brenten Gilbert and Chris Unthank in person. I also got the chance to meet and hangout with Robin Parish, someone who I’ve communicated with a few times online over the years.

The Dove Awards
One of the places that a lot of people asked if I was going to see is the Grand Ole Opry House. Well, I did end up seeing it… Sort of. We had to walk way around the back of the building into the media room which was situated backstage. I never actually saw the inside of the auditorium or main lobby. But that’s okay, it was still fun.

The night was long though. We got there are 4 pm and left at midnight… Eight hours! Chris, Brent and I all sat at a table together though and kept things interesting with our amusing commentary and quick-witted comments. They made it a lot of fun and the time passed by rather quickly. Though I don’t agree with a number of winners as there are some artists who should have taken home a trophy or two, there’s not much you can do about it other than have some fun with it.

I also got to say hi to some of the people I met that week one last time before flying back home the next day. It’s too bad I can’t seem them more often.

I was trying to get this finished for posting much earlier, but I’ve been distracted off and on with installing Windows Vista onto my laptop. Part two is almost finished, but I am really tired so I’m finishing it tomorrow.

So check back here tomorrow for a list of my favorite events and interviews of GMA Week 2007 to wrap up my coverage.