Miranda Presley, played by Samantha Mathis, is an aspiring songwriter who moves from New York to Nashville to pursue her dreams. She attends an audition where she meets James Wright, played by River Phoenix, a charismatic and talented musician, who is also trying to make it big in the country music industry.
Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Miranda and James share a strong connection and fall in love. They impulsively get married after knowing each other for only a few days but soon after, they start to realize they may have made a mistake.
As they try to navigate their new relationship, Miranda and James must also deal with the challenges of the music industry and its cutthroat nature. They compete against each other for a coveted spot at a famous nightclub, with both their careers on the line.
The film also explores the lives of other aspiring musicians, played by Dermot Mulroney and Sandra Bullock, who become Miranda and James's closest friends. As they work on their music, they also struggle with the ups and downs of love and relationships.
As Miranda and James's marriage deteriorates, they are forced to confront their individual dreams and decide what is most important to them. In the end, they must make a tough decision that could determine the course of their lives.