Today we’d like to introduce you to Blue Foley.
Blue, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Worked odd jobs, construction, etc. while trying to make songwriting a career. Been writing songs for almost 20 years, and some of my friends and/or co-writers have gone on to do great things like Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen, Jameson Rodgers, Lainey Wilson, etc.
A few years ago, I teamed up with a songwriter in Denmark to create the Nashville Nights International Songwriters Festival to continue championing songwriters by taking our mission across the pond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The music industry isn’t easy so there have been some struggles along the way, especially how it continues to evolve in some ways and then stay the same in other areas. For the songwriter, you need to get into the right room with the right idea for the collaboration. Then, you need to make a demo and have the connections to pitch the songs to people who can get it in front of the artists. You have to be creative, but also a business person to be able to get it all done, and even then, the best songs can be overlooked. If you don’t have people around you who believe in you and are actively pitching for you, it can be a long road to getting a song on the radio. I’ve had several publishing deals, and that changeover has made it difficult to keep up with my song catalog. I’ve written thousands of songs, so I’m always working to get my favorites organized, demoed, and pitched, but that all takes time away from what I love doing – writing songs.
In addition to the everyday challenges, I’ve been sober now for two years, which has allowed me to really focus on my career and have a healthier lifestyle. Just a few months ago I had surgery on my vocal cords that I had been putting off for a while because it was never a good time for me to stop working because my voice is my livelihood, but I finally got it done and I’m continuing to heal every day. My voice is almost back to normal and I’m able to play more because of the surgery.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for having cuts on Ashley McBryde’s albums, Girl Going Nowhere and Never Will (“Sweet Home Highway”, “Tired of Being Happy” “Never Will”) and being one of the original “freaks” that is the inspiration behind Terri Jo Box’s Music Row Freakshow that she hosts twice a week at The Local. Whether I’m playing songwriter events or out in the audience, I am also championing and cheering for songwriters.
I try to create opportunities, which is why I spearheaded the Nashville Nights initiative that now travels around the world sharing the stories behind the songs and the songs. We have Hall of Fame songwriters, trending songwriters, and rising songwriters because it doesn’t matter who is playing at our shows we guarantee that these are some of the best songs you’ve ever heard. I try to bring people along with me as I continue to rise in my career. I like to share my opportunities whenever I can.
What do you think about happiness?
Writing songs makes me happy. It’s therapy for me.
When I see that a song I’ve written has touched someone, I get emotional. That’s why I write. I love writing with established songwriters, but I also make time to write with new songwriters because I find joy in being in those rooms too.
Contact Info:
- Website: NashvilleNights.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluefoley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluefoleysongwriter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bluefoleymusic
- Other: BlueFoley.com
