Getting to meet Rich Lynch was a bit like meeting myself. He’s a guy from New Jersey who moved to Nashville, loves pizza and music, and writes a local music blog. We also connected on our love for Springsteen along with our shared dismay about his expensive Broadway tickets. Rich has even expressed his feelings in song with “Ow, a Bad Singer’s Pony Rent”, a song that takes its name from an anagram of “Springsteen on Broadway.” Lynch’s background also includes working as a rock photographer and Internet radio host.

But, Lynch’s Music City activity has included more than just fandom and journalism. He’s also created some clever rock tunes and helps promote several local artists. As for his tunes, you can sample and download them at his site OneMillionDownloads.com. So, take a look and help Rick get one (or two) downloads closer to that mighty-million goal! As far as I’m concerned, it’s “A Windmilled Loon Soon.” (I just had to try that anagram-maker!)

It’s great to have a passionate musician and fan like Rich Lynch here in Nashville. Thanks for taking the time to get to know Music City Mike and submit yourself to the “Eleven.”

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

Born in New York City and spent most of my life in northern New Jersey. Moved to Nashville for the music scene and warmer weather. It’s been working out.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them. Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

First record was Aerosmith Rocks on cassette in the 70’s because they were heavily advertising on television for this release. That was the power of the medium on display before the days of videos and MTV. That first purchase really opened Pandora’s box, and decades of music collecting ensued. Despite objections from my wife, I still like CDs and the most recent acquisition was the The Charlie Daniels Band Greatest Hits at a local thrift shop. Sam Goody, Tower Records and Crazy Eddie got most of my disposable income back in the day.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

Like you Mike, I also like to blog about my concert experiences. As of this writing, the most recent was Hannah Wicklund & the Stepping Stones. She is a twenty-year old hot commodity. Think the grand-daughter of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, and that only gets you in the ballpark of what you’re about to witness in a live setting. First concert was Marshall Tucker Band with Pure Prairie League and Jonathan Edwards in Providence, Rhode Island in 1977. I was pretty young and remember thinking, “What’s that smell?”

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Neil Young did enough country-themed albums for “Old Shakey” to get the nod in my opinion. Over the years, he really helped popularize the sound of the pedal steel guitar to a non-traditional country music audience.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Joey’s House of Pizza and Five Points Pizza. Blaze Pizza (the “Chipotle of pizza”) in Brentwood is quick and tasty. Coffee is two cups in the morning at home courtesy of “Cafe Laura” (That’s Mrs. Lynch!).

Tough one, but for me, I would have to say Document by R.E.M. for a variety of reasons. The album literally documented a time for me that was filled with the strength of youth and wild-eyed optimism. I could use a little of both right now! Plus, is there any better song than “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”?

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

We generally pick up a meal before the many shows we see in Music City. You can’t beat the new Martin’s downtown and we like the selection at The Stillery on Lower Broad.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

For me I’d choose two producers I’ve employed in town who both happen to also be Music City Mike interview subjects: Jay Pounders and Andrew Adkins. To soften things up with a feminine perspective, I’d invite the first indie artist we met in Nashville, Lindsay Ellyn. She also happens to be a Jersey girl so we could banter about the Garden State in between numbers.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Mike, I’ve been mainly a recording entity with the occasional rare live appearance, pick-up band and karaoke serving as performance experience at the moment. But, we are forming a core group to play out and all over town. I’m dreaming of a Nashville residency so fans can fly in to see to us. Are the Wildhorse Saloon, Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Ryman Auditorium too high to shoot for?

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

All I can say is a lot of them already live here. Within our first two months in Nashville I held the door for Garth Brooks on Christmas Eve in 2015 as he exited Nashville Used Music with two guitars in hand. Bumped into Lennon Stella on the streets of East Nashville, and shook the hand of John Oates over at Opryland. Said hello to Phil Keaggy a few times, talked a bit with Neal Morse and met Christopher Cross backstage at the City Winery. It’s been cool. Do we really have room for anyone else?

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

One Million Downloads. Seriously. At the beginning of 2018, I made a “new deal” with my fans that I would continue to make music as long as they would actually buy it. To help facilitate the cause, we launched OneMillionDownloads.com as an easy way to purchase my tracks from all the top online retailers on one easy to use website. The rest is going to be an interesting experiment in goal-setting.