Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawntay Moody.
Shawntay , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After 30 years in event planning and marketing, I began trying to create my dream job. I had always wanted to have my own venue for my event ideas, but where and what type of venue illuded me until covid struck. Suddenly, I longed for a barn dance venue I’d only seen on TV. Finding nothing like what I’d envisioned, I prayed and began building it. Tennessee Music Farm is now a place where people can experience authentic Tennessee country life—live music, dancing, animals, and genuine hospitality—all in one setting.
Coming from the broadcast news world, I love the production side of the music business. Since day one, we’ve hosted many music video productions, most notably Luke Bryan, George Birge, Corey Kent, Gavin Adcock and Tracy Byrd. Also, for the industry, we host album release and #1 parties. We’ve also produced some brand shoots, created “experiences” for corporate groups and been the backdrop for so many videographers and photographers.
We are now focused on creating memorable experiences outside of the music industry as well:
Saturday night barn dances/lessons.
Opportunities for guests to interact with the farm animals.
Corporate Experience Retreats with Horses, Songwriting and Dancing.
Equine Clinics and Experiences.
Homeschool Farm Days for Kids
Western Style Weddings/Receptions
A welcoming atmosphere aimed at locals and visitors looking for an authentic Nashville-area experience.
Tennessee Music Farm isn’t just a venue to us. We’re trying to build a destination where people can disconnect from everyday life, enjoy live country music, dance, meet the animals, and leave feeling like they’ve experienced the real Tennessee.
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?
If a smooth road is down a cliff! No way has it been easy or without trauma. Along the way we had to jump through some hurdles with codes and zoning, flooding, roof leaks, electrical rewiring, many animal issues, that one rotten neighbor, and the list can go on and on. Plus, we are now empty-nesting parents. My free labor is gone. Ha!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have zero musical talent. However, God has put music on my heart since I was a kid. I grew up in New Mexico, but since I started writing in my diary, I have always wanted to be in Tennessee, raising animals and around music. It’s where my soul knew was home. Booking acts in NM from Nashville for fundraisers, I knew these were my people. Since moving here, I’ve had a heart for the up and comers who schlep equipment and their worn-out voices to perform up and down Broadway with nothing more than a dream holding them together. I have done my best to help foster some of their dreams. With TMF, I can offer some of them a place to shoot content like the big guys and paid stage time. I want to do more of that. I want to create experiences that foster more songwriters and performers a safe place to land. Some of them call us “the parents” which I guess is fitting because of our middle-aged attempt at redefining ourselves with this new business that includes a FARM. Handling livestock is not for sissies. The joy and heartbreak of farm life is beyond any other “business” byproduct I’ve ever experienced.
What matters most to you?
The light I give back to the world. I want to be remembered as a woman and mother that put God first and helped others reach their fullest potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tnmusicfarm.com
- Instagram: tennessee_music_farm
- Facebook: tennesseemusicfarm
- Other: tnmusicfarm on tiktok
