Since the day she was born, Tawnya Reynolds life has been anything but ordinary. She was born, May 14th in Albuquerque, New Mexico and adopted at only seven days old. Growing up just down the highway in Ruidoso, New Mexico, she thrived on family and her love of country music.
The rising Country star and NBC’s The Voice contestant, recently released her third album, “8 Track”, on February 1st.
The new album stands as a wonderful showcase of Tawnya’s country roots. “8 Track” contains 8 songs, more than half of which Reynolds co-wrote and co-produced. From the intro love song, “Wander,” to the heartfelt “Southwest,” to the fun-loving good times of “Young As You’ll Ever Be,” the songs encompass a range of feelings with musical styles to match. The lead single, ‘B-Side,’ is already receiving country airplay.
Listen to Tawnya’s album, “8 Track”, HERE.
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Tawnya and and wanted to share with fans the reasons we love her, her music (which is George Strait approved) and her experience on “The Voice”.
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Country Music Pride: What would an ideal 5 year plan for the band be? And are you currently on that road?
Tawnya Reynolds: I’m on many roads at the time, but making plans that far in advance is not a priority. Things will unfold themselves naturally as long as the work continues. It’s easy to get so busy focusing on one specific goal that you could miss numerous opportunities. Work on moving forward but keep your eyes open. Try to do something each day that gets you a few feet further than yesterday. That’s my plan.
Country Music Pride: Have you received any accolades from any groups or persons that you highly value?
Tawnya Reynolds: After hearing my first record, George Strait sent an email saying he enjoyed listening to it. I thought that was pretty much the most amazing thing ever.
Country Music Pride: What is the recipe for a perfect concert?
Tawnya Reynolds: There are so many details to bring a great show together but, with a killer band, a well thought out set list, and a phenomenal sound guy, it leaves you open for a great connection with your audience. Without the connection, nothing else counts.
Country Music Pride: Biggest perk thus far for being involved with Country music?
Tawnya Reynolds: So many things!! Most recently I recorded a duet with Radney Foster for a Roger Miller Tribute album. The compilation includes Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, and Dolly Parton just to mention a few. I am still pinching myself.
Country Music Pride: What are some of the “dues” you’ve had to pay for “paying your dues” as up and comers? Have any almost pushed you far enough to almost quit?
Tawnya Reynolds: We all experience the same things. Playing to an empty bar, or playing for free…the scenarios are endless. Sometimes you’re background music and sometimes they even ask you to turn down the music. If you can get through those moments without letting it kick you while you’re down, eventually bigger doors will open. Even if I was ever done with music, I’m not sure it would ever be done with me.
Country Music Pride: What is right and what is wrong with country music in your opinion?
Tawnya Reynolds: Art can never be classified as either one. It’s a matter of what does or doesn’t move you. That’s what makes this business so difficult.
Music should never be judged, yet it is every single day. Sure there are some things out there that I am not particularly fond of, but that doesn’t make it wrong. It’s the idea that only one certain sound or groove is being fed to the public. People don’t have the option to like it if they don’t know it exists. That feels wrong.
Country Music Pride: What do you think you can bring to the table for country music in 2016?
Tawnya Reynolds: A fresh women’s perspective. Stylistic vocals. Musicianship driven production. I’m not the typical teenage blonde haired, blue eyed artist. I want to sing and write about the truth, without thinking twice about it. Plus, I just really miss a good steel guitar solo.
Country Music Pride: How do you try to stand above the rest of the masses trying to cut their teeth and make a name for themselves?
Tawnya Reynolds: I don’t. I hope by staying true to my own personal style, I won’t need to. If I’m worried about what everyone else is doing, I’m not improving myself.
Country Music Pride: What would really excite you and encourage you that could be done by our readers and fans of yours that would help your goals come to fruition?
Tawnya Reynolds: Coming out to shows and buying records are such a great way to show support. I hope people will always hunger for independent and/or local music. I hope they always search for more than just the mainstream alone. There are so many talented, struggling artists, who just need a chance to be heard. As long as this world keeps spinning, people will always need something in which to relate. In turn, as long as people need to relate, there will always be songwriters.
Country Music Pride: What was your favorite part of being on The Voice Season 4 and Team Shakira?
Tawnya Reynolds: Meeting kindred spirits in such a harsh business was good for the soul. I found a deeper understanding of what I was and was not willing to do as an artist. Fortunately, in the end, I still liked myself for each choice made. I appreciated Shakira and her ability to treat us as peers. She was kind and gracious. That was impressive.
Country Music Pride: Do you feel that the show helped give you the boost you needed/wanted as an artist?
Tawnya Reynolds: Millions of people watch the show and that’s a platform you can’t buy. That is something I will always be grateful for. I will always want more, but when that creeps into my mind, I try to remind myself just how far I’ve come.
Tawnya continues to play regularly in Nashville, write, and tour the U.S. For more information on Tawnya Reynolds, visit her website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook
