When it comes to stress, we all have our own methods on how we deal with things. From gyming hardcore to putting our phones on DND, everyone has their own outlet. For Tenille Townes, writing music was hers. Known for her introspective, honest and empathic sound, the singer leans into her storytelling nature and opens up on her experiences and struggles over the years. Using warming soundscapes as her backing, the artist dynamically invites us into her world and introduces us to her true authentic self.

“Music is my safe place to process how I’m feeling, to find my place of belonging and understanding in any experience,” the artist candidly revealed. “Sometimes inspiration comes from real stories, and real people that I’m watching or witnessing in the world around me. Sometimes, it comes from something I’m walking through in my own life. Songwriting is such a mysterious process that will always feel spiritual to me, creating something that didn’t exist before. For me, it is often easier to sing about something I’m feeling than talk about it.”

Having recently embarked on her first U.S headlining tour VILLAIN IN ME, the artist has taken to the stage to bring these songs to life, putting on serene performances accompanied by ruminating productions. Spending some time with us virtually, the artist breaks down her career so far, performing with Shania Twain and how she taps into her own emotions to write her songs.

Check out the interview below…

What are your earliest memories of music?
Singing along to Shania Twain in the backseat of the car driving around with my mom! I knew every word by heart.

At the age of nine you were picked from the crowd at a Shania Twain concert to sing with her on stage. What do you recall from this moment? How were you affected by this experience?
This is a moment in my life that lit a fire in me I still feel today and it gave me a foundation in believing that anything is possible. I was so excited just to be at the concert, and I had this feeling leading up to it, even though the chances were low in my crazy dream, that somehow I’d be singing with her that evening. I had an outfit on that looked like her Miami DVD I’d watched a thousand times and had made a sign that said, “Shania, can I please sing with you?!” Towards the end of the concert, she came around the stage, grabbed my hand and my crazy dream became a reality. I’ll never forget standing there next to my hero, looking out towards the curtain of shadows the stage lights created between us and 18,000 people. It was insane and that experience shaped me more than I can tell you in words. It is now my dream to keep paying that moment forward and pull up a nine-year-old kid at a sold-out arena show of my own someday.

Where would you say most of your inspiration, in terms of songwriting, stems from?
Music is my safe place to process how I’m feeling, to find my place of belonging and understanding in any experience. Sometimes inspiration comes from real stories, and real people that I’m watching or witnessing in the world around me. Sometimes, it comes from something I’m walking through in my own life. Songwriting is such a mysterious process that will always feel spiritual to me, creating something that didn’t exist before. For me, it is often easier to sing about something I’m feeling than talk about it.

Have there ever been times where you have come close to giving up music?
Yes. There have been moments of doubt all along the way. I remember playing a song at my end of the school year assembly in 8th grade. I saw some kids laughing in the front row and it felt like it could have been about me, and I stopped singing for a while after that. I also doubted my path a few years after moving to Nashville. The doors that had started opening all became closed and I was 45 hours away from home and feeling very lost. The thing that always keeps me going is my love for music. It’s greater than my fear of not being good enough. I’m really grateful the music always calls me back whenever I start to drift, because I really love making up songs and playing them for people.

What would you say is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
At the end of my very first tour, opening for Miranda Lambert, we talked on her bus and she shared so much with me, reminiscing about her beginning days on the road too. I will never forget the advice she shared with me in that moment, but more than the advice, it was the feeling of being encouraged and lifted up by someone who has walked a similar path. To feel that kind of support from a hero of mine, meant the world to me.

What can you tell us about your latest single, “When’s It Gonna Happen”? How closely linked are the lyrics to your own feelings and experiences?
This song is very much a true window into the season of my life right now where it feels like all of my friends are getting married and starting their families. I wanted to write a song about how it feels to be single sometimes, and as I was writing it, I knew I couldn’t be the only one who feels that way. I wanted the music to feel like this anthem we could all sing together at the top of our lungs!! It has meant so much hearing from people telling me that this song says exactly how they feel too! I’m so glad we get to stand together on this one.

What effect would you like your songs to have on your listeners?
I want my music to help people remember that they are not alone. I hope they feel comforted and encouraged and empowered to be exactly who they are. I am so excited that we have a new EP coming out on April 22 called Masquerades with new songs that I hope people connect with!

Are there any locations that you’re particularly excited to visit on your upcoming tour, the VILLAIN IN ME?
I am so excited to come to the UK this autumn. I can not wait to get to do a run of shows in so many of my favourite cities in October! You guys are truly among my favourite kind of audience. The way you listen to music is so encouraging and beautiful to me! I love how much you guys just love music.

When you’re not playing music, what do you like to do on your days off?
Hang with my sweet dog, Sam!! He’s the best little buddy and we love being outside!