The wave of emerging non-country acts here is, in many ways, a product of Nashville’s growth. Downtown and neighborhood revitalization has created more places for bands to play, music industry programs at Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University have become magnets for talent and fans, the city is more affordable than other music centers, and its reputation as a haven for songwriters makes it attractive to writers from all genres. – Read the whole Associated Press story at HoustonChronicle.com. [Pictured: Belmont student Graham Fitzpenn, a member of the rock band Roy G Biv, winner of the Pop/Rock Showcase, performing at Belmont’s annual Best of the Best show. Click to enlarge.]