Music Scene owners turn heads in Nashville

WHITBY -- Brad and MaryLynne Stella are still pinching themselves.

One minute they are the 33-year-old owners of the Music Scene, a south Whitby music school, and the next they are signing a recording and songwriting contract with a Nashville, Tenn., industry executive.

"It's unbelievable; it's definitely a life-altering experience," said Mr. Stella, who grew up in Whitby and now lives in Oshawa with wife MaryLynne, originally from south Oshawa. They are parents of two daughters, Lennon, 8, and Maisy, 4.

The husband and wife singer-songwriters were working out details of their dream contract with their lawyer in recent days, including the length, which could extend to several years. Part of it includes determining living arrangements that will see them alternate between Music Row -- an area of downtown Nashville teeming with recording studios, publishing houses and other music industry businesses -- and their recording studio located at the Music Scene.

They expect the first major collaborative effort for the duo, who call themselves the Stellas, will see them performing 14 songs the couple wrote. They are also signing on as full-time songwriters.

"The songs we will be writing will be pitched in meetings with people like Faith Hill and her manager, Michelle Branch, and Trace Atkins," Mr. Stella said.

In a trip to Nashville a few weeks ago they ended up jamming and performing at various bars and pubs with audiences of up to 500. The Stellas caught the attention of some industry insiders and were hand-picked for a "writers' night" performance at the Blue Bar and Hotel Indigo.

After learning that Gil Grand, who heads established publishing company and label Grand and Gee Music, was in the audience, they convinced him to stay to hear them perform. With Mr. Stella playing guitar and singing with Mrs. Stella, they made an impression.

"For him to recognize our stuff with the pool of talent that is available is really exciting," Mrs. Stella said. "Everyone who heard us said the same thing: 'This is fresh.' "

She added that their music deviates from traditional country, given their eclectic musical tastes.

Her musical influences include singer-songwriters Patty Griffin and John Prine. His includes the Beatles, Kiss and Lyle Lovett, among others.

They were heading to Nashville earlier this week for a few days of meetings, writing sessions and recording. The Stellas will continue operating the Music Scene, which they opened in October 2006 after extensive renovations in an industrial plaza they lease on Champlain Court.

The Stellas now have almost 300 students taking classes in vocals, guitar, bass, drums and piano. Since envisioning a hip, music school that encouraged networking with fellow musicians and hands-on opportunities with studio recording and performance, they have brought on two partners, one who helps with the day-to-day operations. They sold their house a few years ago to make the business a reality.

The studio features a 2500-square-foot auditorium for recitals, music industry seminars, live shows and workshops with full stage.

Last week 12 members of the Music Scene's March break rock camp got to use the facilities and co-wrote a song, recorded it in studio and then performed it at a concert before 60 friends and family. Other rock camps are held throughout the summer, introducing students to various instruments, performing and recording. Guests at the camps have included Mike Turner (ex-Our Lady Peace), Alannah Myles (Grammy Award winner), Pete Lesperance (Harem Scarem) and Stuart Cameron (Crash Test Dummies).

The Stellas say they are enjoying the ride to reach a wider audience, even if the pace is hectic.

Currently, relatively few writers tend to write the vast majority of songs being picked up by recording artists in Nashville. The reverse was true years ago.

"We went there trying to get someone to pitch our songs to artists and labels," Mr. Stella said. "It's hard to get a publishing deal. To get a publishing deal and recording deal all at once is unusual. Even my lawyer was blown away."