Tenille Arts is a country singer-songwriter from Weyburn, SK who now lives in Nashville, TN. Growing up, Tenille recalled that she listened “to all of the '90s country. "There were a lot of strong females that shaped the way I view the world and country music. I love Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, The Chicks and many others!”
That being said, her own work is influenced by “a lot of different music” and a variety of things that allow for each song to be “unique in its own way…. I write about my life and those around me. I think the more honest you can be with song-writing, the most people can relate.”
In January 2020, Tenille released Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between. She described it as an album with a theme: “…There’s something for everyone. The first four songs are love songs. The next four are breakup songs, and the last four are everything else in life. If you’re going through a breakup, I wanted you to be able to click play on those four songs and feel like you’re not alone.” She added, “While writing this album, I went through a breakup, found love again and lived a lot of life! So if people want to get to know me through my music, this album is a great way to do that!”
In Canada, Tenille’s most recent single from the album is “Everybody Knows Everybody”. It chronicles life in a small town—or more specifically, life in a small town bar. The track was produced for Canadian air waves by multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, guitar player, and producer, Jason Barry. (Prior to COVID-19, Jason could often be found on tour with Dean Brody as part of “The Brodeo”.)
“It was so great working with Jason Barry!” Tenille explained. “He took what Alex Kline did and put his own twist on it and made it the perfect Canadian country radio single! I’m looking forward to working with him more in the future.”
Tenille concurrently released her previous Canadian single, “Somebody Like That” in The United States: “It’s really exciting and keeps things interesting! I’ve had two singles out in Canada [in 2020] and just one in the U.S. so it’s really fun to get to release multiple songs in Canada while we promote one single in the U.S.!”
Additionally in 2020, Tenille became The CCMA’s newest Rising Star. Due to the global pandemic, the annual award show was pre-taped for the first time. It took place in both Ontario and Nashville, where she received her award: “I was so excited to be recognized like that by the Canadian Country Music Association. I think the beauty of being Canadian and living in Nashville is that the Canadian country music listeners are loyal no matter where you live and create your music. It was really special to be able to be a part of the awards this year even though I couldn’t be in Canada!”
Looking ahead to 2021, Tenille said she was “really hopeful” that live music would be able to continue: “I think if we have a vaccine or a better way to control the virus, things will go back to normal really quickly! I’m crossing my fingers! I’m looking forward to new music! I have written more songs over the last few months than I have in the last three years. When I’m busy on the road I don’t get to create much, so this was kind of a blessing in disguise. I have recorded about six new songs and I can’t wait to release them!”
Finally, when asked about her advice for fellow artists, Tenille Arts replied: “My advice is pretty simple. Be yourself, say yes to all of the opportunities, and don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen as quickly as you want it to. It’s all about the journey!”
For more information, please visit tenillearts.com.
Photo courtesy of Tenille Arts.
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