Written by Samuel Kaplan
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending a Grindhouse Nashville takeover put on by Kobalt Publishing at 6th and Peabody. We want to give a big shoutout to all the artists who performed. It was an incredible experience—one we’d highly recommend to any country music fan visiting or living in Nashville.
One performance that especially stood out was Mae Estes and her heartfelt rendition of her single “Town Left Me.” Estes shared that she moved to Nashville from the city of Hope, Arkansas—a journey that reflects the path many aspiring artists take as they leave home behind in pursuit of their dreams. It’s a leap that often means parting with family, friends, and cherished memories.
Her performance captured the feeling of homesickness with remarkable clarity, while also embracing the reality that change is inevitable. “Town Left Me” speaks to that bittersweet truth—that no matter how tightly we hold on, things won’t always stay the same. It’s a message that resonates not only in Nashville, but far beyond. Few things in life are guaranteed, but change is one of them.
The song’s perspective—that the town left her—is a striking and original way to frame that emotional shift. Often, we focus on how we change, but this flips the lens, showing how the world around us moves on too. Mae’s masterful songwriting and poignant lyricism shine throughout, and it all translated beautifully in her live performance. Her vocals were equally stunning—raw, powerful, and filled with emotion, they brought the entire venue into her story.
You can stream "Town Left Me" here: