We sat down with the rising country star to talk about inspiration, self-esteem and working with her partner.
A native of Alabama, Tiera Kennedy is being hailed as a fresh new talent on the country music scene. Breathing new life into the genre, she’s wowing fans across the country with her serious songwriting and sonic prowess. Having burst onto the scene with her debut EP, Nashville Scene, Kennedy is considered one to watch—and with good reason.
She often works with her husband, creative director Kamren Kennedy, and love and feel-good vibes emanate from every pore of her work. Kennedy has been cultivating her talent for as long as she can take it, steadily carving her place on the massive country music scene. Even the legendary Shania Twain has championed this young talent, which just goes to show that people really care.
In “Alabama Nights” a triumphant harmonica introduces Kennedy’s delicate voice, which playfully interacts with melodic guitars; and an almost nostalgic feeling grips the song. She’s undoubtedly an unparalleled talent on the country music landscape, and we’ve had the privilege of sitting down with the rising star and racking her brains. From radio plays to therapy – we have covered a wide range of topics in this tell-all.
Read our insightful interview with Tiera Kennedy below…
Last year you independently released your self-titled debut EP – what made you decide to do it and tell us about the process?
“Found It In You” was the first song I released from my EP and I had no idea it would react the way it did. I didn’t have an EP in mind when I wrote these five songs, I was just writing music I loved and it made me feel good – but when it came time to put the project together, it was exactly the mood that I wanted my first project.
You recently released a new song “Alabama Nights”. How did growing up in Alabama shape you? What are your favorite things about your hometown?
I was definitely one of those guys who tried everything to get out of my hometown. When I lived in Alabama, I only wanted to go to Nashville. But I feel like I love my hometown so much more now that I’ve moved away. I started signing in Birmingham, AL – at restaurants, at festivals, wherever I could. I started my journey as an artist in Alabama and met so many people inside and outside of the music business that shaped me as an artist.
You’ve been called “one of Nashville’s most promising young singer/songwriters” and publications have raved that your music is “pure, catchy, upbeat storytelling.” How have these things affected you?
I’ve always been more drawn to happy songs when writing because I want people to feel good when they hear my music. I think about the music I listen to in my car and it always has a groove, so I really try to convey that in my music.
Her debut single “Found It In You” is inspired by her relationship with her husband and creative director Kamren Kennedy. Tell us about the song and how is it working with your partner?
My husband and I have been working together since the beginning of our relationship. That’s actually how we met. I had just gotten a new camera to film YouTube covers with and he offered his help and we’ve been together ever since. We have a great collaboration and luckily we have very similar tastes so I trust him more than anyone. Aside from work he’s such a great partner and that’s what Found It In You is about. He makes me a better person every day and is everything I always wanted and never knew I wanted in a partner. I feel like everyone has that type of person in their life and I hope they think of them when they hear “Found It In You”.
Found It In You has over 18 million streams and they’re just getting started. What’s next for you and where do you dream of ending up?
More and more music! Found It In You is just the beginning and I can’t wait for people to hear the rest of what I’ve written.
Where were you when you first heard your music outside of your home?
In the car! Bobby Bones and Amy Brown played one of my songs on the Women of iHeart Country channel! I’ve always dreamed of having my song on the radio and hearing it there was really cool.
what do you do when you feel bad How do you deal with the ups and downs of business and life?
Therapy is my lifesaver. There are always some hurdles in the music business and in life in general, so it’s helpful to have someone to talk to about it. I used to keep my emotions completely under wraps to the point where I couldn’t even write about what I was going through, but recently I’ve found healing through it. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and I’ve found it incredibly liberating to write about it with my closest co-authors.
Tell us about your favorite fashion and style?
Whether on stage or in everyday life, I like it comfortable. I’m not a super high heel guy. I prefer a good pair of low-heeled boots. I’m also a big fan of blazers with a casual twist. Comfort always comes first for me!
Who has influenced your career the most and why? Which artists have inspired you the most?
Shania Twain has been such a huge supporter of mine, which is incredible that I can even say that. She invited me to be on her team on a show I did a few years ago called Real Country and she’s been one of my champions ever since. I recently got to make my Ryman debut to honor her at the ACM Honors. It means a lot to me to have her in my corner. One piece of advice she gave me that I always keep in mind is to always stay true to who I am as an artist, no matter what other people want me to do. She paved the way for artists like me who are a little outside of the country jukebox, and I’m grateful to have someone like her to look up to.
What is your favorite thing to do as a musician and what would you like your fans to know that they might not know yet?
Seeing how people react to my songs is one of the special things about being a musician. I write music about what I’m going through personally in the hope that it will resonate with people. It’s not always easy to get your emotions out there for everyone to see, but it’s so rewarding to see how it makes people feel.
Check out Tiera Kennedy’s new single “Alabama Nights” below…