Venue Feature: Exit/In

On October 7, I had the opportunity to attend a live performance by the electro-pop duo known as FRENSHIP at Exit/In, a local Nashville music venue. Originally from Los Angeles, FRENSHIP made their mark with the platinum hit “Capsize” in 2016 and followed it up with their official debut album, “Vacation,” in 2019. The duo recently announced their Fall 2023 Tour, known as “Base Camp,” which kicked off on October 5 in North Carolina. I was fortunate to witness their electrifying performance at Exit/In, where they were joined by the opening artist, BIZZY, who will be accompanying them on select dates during their tour. BIZZY, a local indie-pop artist based in Nashville, is known for her authentic and emotionally charged songwriting, as well as her captivating stage presence.

Established in 1971, Exit/In stands as a respected institution in the Nashville live music scene. With over five decades of history, this iconic music venue has been a stage for an astonishing diversity of musical talent, ranging from rising local acts to global megastars. Throughout its existence, Exit/In has witnessed performances by musical legends such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Etta James, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Muddy Waters, R.E.M., and a multitude of other iconic performers.

Street View

Inside

The moment I stepped into the venue; I was immediately captivated by its ambiance. The combination of dark-colored walls and the vibrant, colorful stage lights created an atmosphere that truly made the artists’ performances come alive. One unique feature of Exit/In that stood out to me was the inside balcony, accessible through a small staircase on the side. This elevated vantage point offers fans a superior view of performances. There is a limited number of tables where guests can relax, socialize, and enjoy the music in a cozy lounge-like setting. In Contrast, for those who prefer to be in the thick of the action, there is plenty of space near the front of the stage. This proximity allows you to immerse yourself completely in the musical experience. Personally, I find being close to the stage and right in the heart of the action most exhilarating, so my friends and I opted to stay in the pit near the front of the stage. Another notable feature of the venue was its outdoor porch area. This space served as an excellent location for setting up merchandise stands for the performing artists and provided a welcome retreat for those seeking a break from the indoor excitement. I liked that the doors to this area were left open. This meant that even if you chose to relax outside, you could still catch a glimpse of the show and still be a part of the musical performance. This was especially enjoyable given the crisp, refreshing fall weather that filled the night.

The stage setup and sound quality at Exit/In were nothing short of remarkable, significantly elevating the artists’ performances. Having been a fan of FRENSHIP for some time, this live experience was particularly special for me. Hearing them perform live added a whole new dimension to their music. They treated us to unique renditions of their songs, such as “Capsize,” one of my favorite songs, and took on a more acoustic and intimate quality compared to their usual pop sound. It was a refreshing and unforgettable experience that allowed me to connect with their music on a deeper level. FRENSHIP put on an amazing performance, but I was most excited to see BIZZY. I have listened to BIZZY for quite some time and have become a big fan of her music. Her live performance was even more amazing in person than I could have imagined. Her positive energy is truly contagious and you could feel it filling up the entire venue with every song. Her music is unique in the way her lyrics touch on the emotions many people experience making her relatable in a way many artists are not. She is an amazing performer and authentic human being and if you are unfamiliar with her music I strongly suggest you check her out!

What pairs perfectly with music and dancing? Well, booze of course! And like any top-tier live music venue, Exit/In offers an impressive array of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. In my case, I opted to sip on the timeless Gin and Tonic while immersing myself in the bands’ performances. The bartenders at Exit/In were not only skilled but also remarkably friendly. The entire staff exuded positivity and had fantastic attitudes, which undoubtedly heightened the overall enjoyment of the venue.

Nashville has so many amazing live music venues that many people have yet to discover. If you love live music and are looking for a new venue to explore or are just looking for a fun new local place to hang out and have a great time, I highly recommend Exit/In!