We had the good fortune of connecting with Gerard Longo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gerard, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At first, I just needed an outlet. When I first started our podcast, The Quinn Spinn, in 2013, I had no idea that it would evolve into the Underground Music Collective platform that has reached hundreds of thousands of musicians and creatives around the world.

As time has progressed, this journey has taught me what it means to be an independent creative, and our platform reflects those lessons in our current offerings. More are on the way, and we’re excited to reveal what’s to come in 2023. We’re developing services that will help create a more abundant ecosystem for musicians and creatives alike, as they strive toward their creative visions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When we launched The Quinn Spinn, we were just a bunch of creatives trying something new. We had no idea how to build a platform, let alone a successful, sustainable business. Over the past decade, this journey has taught me patience, and that it’s necessary to find joy and encouragement in the process. Most of the time, being an entrepreneur isn’t glamorous, and there will be situations that test your mettle and dedication. It is in those moments that you discover what drives you.

10 years in, I’m still driven to serve our growing community of independent creatives. I want to use my experiences to help others find ways to navigate their journeys, while also helping them stay accountable to their core values. What we create is an extension of who we are, and I love to see the people around me create from a place of their own truth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a local, I tend to avoid the touristy spots in Nashville. However, I’ll make an exception and take people to experience Broadway at least once when they’re in town.

The rest of the time, we’re exploring local haunts, to give them a feel of the real Music City. I almost always take visitors to Hawkers in East Nashville, and their Asian fusion cuisine has been a hit every time. Right up the road from there, we’ll spend time around the Five Points area in East Nashville, and get into nature at Shelby Bottoms as the weather permits.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had steadfast support from so many people over the years, but Mom takes the cake. She was consistently my biggest cheerleader. Before she passed unexpectedly in September 2015, was always there with support, encouragement, and even a healthy dose of tough love once in a while. When challenges arose, she always tried her best to offer a solution – even if it wasn’t the solution I wanted. She was the first person to believe in me, and always encouraged me to bet on myself.

Website: www.undergroundmusiccollective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umcnashville

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/underground-music-collective/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UMCNashville

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMusicCollective

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa47Wh0jcr5mCrxRIPz-ZeQ

Other: https://abcnashville.org/donations/umc

Image Credits
Underground Music Collective

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