Nashville’s Exclusive Live Experiences at Analog (Now on PBS!)
Experience Nashville’s music scene like never before at Analog. "Recorded Live at Analog" brings intimate, long-form performances to PBS, preserving one-of-a-kind shows from emerging and iconic artists in a space built for music and connection. Image: Dokk Savage Photography
In a city like Nashville, where music takes center stage, finding live performances that feel personal and unforgettable can be a rare treat. Tucked beneath a luxury hotel in the West End, Analog at Hutton Hotel offers just that. Music comes to life in this intimate, state-of-the-art venue, and now that experience is captured through the PBS series Recorded Live at Analog.
We sat down with Don Maggi, executive producer for the series, to learn what makes these performances so special and why Analog (and Nashville) are the perfect homes for the show.
The Intimate Magic of Analog
Walking into Analog feels like entering a world meticulously crafted for music lovers — and it was. From the lighting to the acoustics, every detail was designed to immerse both the artist and audience members in the music.
“Analog was designed for music people, by music people,” says Don. “It was built for a very specific reason, and you can tell because of the sound, the lighting, and the atmosphere. Being there is something very special.”
PinInside Analog at Hutton Hotel, every detail — from lighting to sound — is crafted to make artists and audiences feel fully connected to the music. Image: Dokk Savage Photography
Unlike a large stadium or amphitheater show, Analog prioritizes intimacy and a close connection with its audience members. With a capacity for 120 guests, every performance feels up close and personal — an experience that cannot be duplicated.
“Seeing a band in a small room in front of 120 people is really unique,” explains Don. “Bands on tour often have to reconfigure their stage setup here because they are used to playing theaters or arenas. At Analog, monitors are positioned closer together, allowing musicians to hear themselves differently. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll probably never see again.”
Behind the Scenes of Recorded Live at Analog
With over 20 years of executive producing experience in small venues, Don was looking for a change after the pandemic struck. He was already producing shows at Analog, but he wanted to create a series that highlighted the venue and the extraordinary experience of performing and being in the audience there.
“Recorded Live at Analog is really about the place where these artists will thrive, because it’s always about who is playing, not the stage or show name,” he explains. “We also wanted to emphasize that we’re in Nashville.”
PinDuring one of the tapings, Eric Church surprised the audience with a live performance of “Dancing in the Dark” from Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 album Nebraska. Image: Analog at Hutton Hotel
Capturing this energy and intimacy may seem impossible, but Don and his team have managed it using cutting-edge technology, like 4K robotic cameras. “We can place five, 10, or 15 cameras around the room so viewers feel like they are there,” says Don. “This technology has helped us maintain intimacy, feel the energy and vibe of the band, and capture it effectively.”
A Unique Viewing Experience on PBS
When you’re at home watching Recorded Live at Analog, it’s an entirely different type of concert experience. With commercial-free, uninterrupted performances, you can sink into the music as if you were sitting in one of Analog’s seats.
“Working with PBS gives art a phenomenal opportunity to be seen and heard,” explains Don. “We are able to shoot a one-hour show, with 57 minutes of uninterrupted music.”
“On other networks, people often only get a few minutes of content before a commercial, which can make them tune out,” he continues. “In our case, the first view is usually about 20 minutes, allowing people to get into it, discover the artist, and enjoy the experience.”
PinRecorded Live at Analog captures every detail of a performance, giving viewers a front-row experience of Nashville’s most intimate live music. Pictured here is the legendary guitarist Slash at Analog. Image: Sophia Sharp Photography
How Artists Are Chosen
When selecting artists for Recorded Live at Analog, the process strikes a balance between showcasing both new talent and established acts, while creating memorable experiences for everyone involved. “We have a lot of managers or record companies pitch artists to us,” explains Don. Past performers have included everyone from Chase Rice to Deborah Silver, Sierra Ferrell, and Slash.
One particular experience that stands out to Don is a collaboration between Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. “The good part about having a TV show is that you can invent a show,” Don tells us. “We did something with Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor, who had never played together, even though they’re boyfriend and girlfriend. We wanted to give them that opportunity. It’s often about feel, availability, and opportunity.”
PinMolly Tuttle and Ketch Secor shared the stage for a one-of-a-kind collaboration at Recorded Live at Analog, a performance crafted specifically for Analog. Image: SKAY Photography
Preserving Music & Nashville’s Culture
Preserving live music has never been more important, especially as funding for the arts has become increasingly limited. Recorded Live at Analog offers a solution, providing musicians a platform to showcase their art in a long-form, uninterrupted way.
“We have to preserve art, especially at a time when it’s under attack,” says Don. “Government funding for PBS has been reduced to zero, and losing any kind of music threatens our culture. These live performances are unique and genuine ways to experience artists because they focus entirely on the music, giving artists a full hour on television, which rarely happens.”
PinWith uninterrupted performances from artists like Sierra Ferrell (pictured), Recorded Live at Analog captures live music in its purest form for PBS audiences. Image: Aaron Fishbein
More than just offering performances, Analog plays a crucial role in Nashville’s broader music scene. By showcasing a wide range of genres and artists, the venue reflects Nashville’s growth beyond its traditional country roots.
“The variety keeps the club and show unique and reflects how Nashville has grown beyond just country and Americana,” adds Don. “It’s all music, and we want to continue serving that diversity.”
Upcoming Shows
Analog continues to bring fans closer to outstanding artists with an exciting lineup of performances. Peter Frampton plays on November 8, marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive.” Later in January, Cody Jinks is slated to perform, and a few shows are already planned for the 2026 season.
Whether attending in person or watching on PBS, audiences can enjoy the unique, intimate energy that defines Analog. And every show captures the artists’ music in long-form, uninterrupted video, offering viewers a rare chance to fully experience the performance.
For fans of Nashville’s music scene, there’s no better way to connect with artists and witness live performances that celebrate the city’s heritage and growing diversity.
This article is sponsored by Hutton Hotel.Analog at Hutton Hotel is located at 1808 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203. To learn more, visit analognashville.com or call (615) 340-9333.
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.
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