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Who is Tiera Kennedy? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music (2023)

Who is Tiera Kennedy? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

who-is-tiera-kennedy

Tiera Kennedy | Photo credit: Alexa Campbell

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Tiera Kennedy
Hometown – Birmingham, Alabama
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood
Current Single – “Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” (as of date of article 10/23/23)

The Beginning:

A little over three years ago, back in 2020, we introduced you to a new artist, who was making waves on social media: Tiera. Flash forward to today, Tiera, who now goes by her full name, Tiera Kennedy has landed herself both a publishing deal and a record deal. We caught up with the singer-songwriter to learn about how she got to where she is today and to talk all about her new music. Keep reading to find out more.

“I’m from Birmingham, Alabama, and I’ve always loved music for as long as I can remember,” she began. “I guess it kind of like blossomed when I was in middle school. I started writing songs and fell in love with country music.” Throughout her upbringing, Kennedy recalls listening to a ton of country music and writing songs at a young age.

“I grew up in the age of Taylor Swift, the beginning of her career, and I just fell in love with all of her songs, like so many of us did,” shared the songstress. “She was writing a lot of songs about boys, and that’s where I was in my life. I started to do the same, I would perform those songs around my school, and just like the response from that made me actually believe I could do it for my career. I was definitely in to do it for the long haul.”

Kennedy credits influences from 90s country and artists like Swift and Carrie Underwood for her early love for music and songwriting. These influences stayed with her throughout her career while she built upon even more musical influences too. “I listen to just about everything. I love 90s country, that’s my ultimate jam,” shared Kennedy. Adding, “I’m super random with what I listen to. I listen to Scottish music and Irish music sometimes, and R&B stuff. I really gravitate towards things that make me feel good. When I get into the writer’s room, those are the kind of songs I like to write. I feel like everybody has a bunch of different influences, nobody listens to one thing.”

The Turning Point:

After writing her first song in high school and teaching herself how to play guitar, Kennedy had her heart set on attending Nashville’s Belmont University. However, as plans changed, she ended up attending the University of Northern Alabama for one year on a full-ride scholarship instead before changing trajectories.Eventually, after a year in college, my parents let me drop out and move to Nashville, and I’ve been here about 7 years.”

Throughout her seven years in town, Kennedy networked with as many people as she possibly could to get her name and her music out there. “I just hit the ground running as soon as I got here. I had a show my first night there, at the Listening Room, and I was really just trying to get a foot in everywhere I could. I would write with anybody and everybody. I would take every single meeting.”

In the early stages of her career, Kennedy did whatever it took to advance her career and dream. “Those first couple of years, I played at a couple of restaurants and hotel lobbies. I was just making tips from there, and looking back, I feel like it really taught me how to hold a crowd and how to entertain people.”

After a few years, Kennedy finally landed her publishing deal as the flagship songwriter for Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters. “They signed me to my deal with Big Loud’s Songs & Daughters and Warner Chappell, so I finally got my publishing deal.”

At around the same time, Kennedy’s music started taking off on social media. Her song, “Found It In You” became her first viral hit. “Record labels started to take notice and I started taking those meetings, and I wasn’t really planning to sign a deal at the moment, I just thought it would be fun because I really loved being an independent artist, so I was kind of going back and forth, but then I had a meeting with Big Machine, and I just fell in love with them. They were everything that I wanted in a label.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Kennedy is a signed artist who is ready to take the world by storm. “I really hope when people hear this music they think I’m a friend,” she shared. Her current single, “Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” is growing in popularity, as the song really speaks to the singer’s talent as a vocalist and as a storyteller.

““Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” is this new era of music for me,” she begins. Adding, “I wrote this song on a writer’s retreat with some of my favorite co-writers. […] It was one of the last songs we wrote for the retreat, so we really got to just have fun, and write a fun song, and not think too much about it. […] It’s a story about being from a small town and how words spread fast, but I like to say that even people who aren’t from a small town can relate to this, because not everyone can keep secrets to themselves.”

According to Kennedy, the song is meant to be a relatable, fun song with heart. “The three people I can depend on are Jesus, my mama, and my therapist. It was really cool to have fun with this song, and not be too serious. It’s a little different, sound-wise, from anything I’ve put out, and it’s really shaped the next music we’re going to put out, too. It’s a lot more country, which I love and I think the fans will love it too.”

Fans can look forward to more new music from Kennedy coming down the pipeline soon. “I have pretty much finished the album, so we’ve got all the songs together, and I’ve been teasing some of them, but there’s definitely songs people haven’t heard. People can expect to get to know me better.” Stay tuned!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Tiera Kennedy releases.

To keep up with Tiera, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Tiera Kennedy’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Tiera Releases Debut Self-Titled EP

Tiera’s self-titled debut EP is available now, March 12th, on all streaming platforms. Featuring up-tempo tracks like “Not Your Girl” and “Shut It Down,” read our review of the five-song collection.

Tiera's debut self-titled EP is available everywhere now, March 12th

Tiera’s debut self-titled EP is available everywhere now, March 12th

Today, March 12th, marks the official arrival of another powerful female voice in country music, Tiera. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter released her self-titled debut EP, and the radiant five-song collection shows why she’s been widely noted as one of country music’s next rising stars. Produced by Cameron Bedell, the EP is the perfect piece of upbeat contemporary country.

One of the EP’s stand-out tracks is “Not Your Girl,” written by Tiera with Cameron Bedell and Newsome. Although the song could easily apply to a relationship, Tiera reveals that for her, it was written about the music industry. In an interview with Apple Music, she revealed, “…we wrote this song from a relationship perspective, but really it’s about, when I first moved to Nashville, it was really important for me to figure out my sound and the brand and everything. Just figure it all out myself before I had anybody else telling me what to do, you know, because I feel like it’s so easy to be swayed in one direction in the music… When I first moved here, my sound was super country because I was like, “It has to be 100% country because I don’t want anybody to doubt whether or not I’m a country artist,” but I feel like that song was kind of just me telling the world, “I’m going to be who I am and not let anybody change that.”

Recently engaged and planning a wedding later this year, the EP definitely reflects Tiera’s happiness in love and life. The collection opens with the wistful “Found It In You,”  celebrating that moment of finding everything you’ve been looking for in another person.

“I found it in you // Every little thing that I was missing baby // You love me a whole different kind of crazy // You got to the heart of me // Boy the best part of me”

The theme of contentment and joy continues through all five tracks and provides the perfect soundtrack for spring and summer. There’s nothing depressing about this Tiera EP, and it’s a welcomed change of pace from the doom and gloom of the real world especially over the past year through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, “Laid Back” feels like a breezy summer jam, while “Shut It Down” is a poppy tune about staying out too late and breaking all the rules.

“Miles” is a unique collaboration with Breland, and it’s easily one of the highlights of the EP. The two bounce off each other perfectly, adding another layer to an already great song.

Signed to acclaimed songwriter Nicolle Galyon’s female-focused publishing company, Songs and Daughters, big things are ahead for Tiera, and this EP is a perfect introduction to the mainstream. Tiera’s EP is truly a fifteen-minute escape from real life, and it’s a mini-vacation that any music fan should take.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Tiera releases.

To keep up with Tiera, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Tiera is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Tiera and Breland Release A Beautiful Song Titled “Miles”

Tiera’s new song featuring Breland, “Miles” is available now, February 12th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new track.

Songs & Daughters flagship songwriter Tiera has joined forces with up-and-coming singer-songwriter Breland in their brand new song “Miles.” Back in October, the songstress released a beautiful and sentimental song called “Found It In You” that we instantly fell in love with. “Miles” is just another heartfelt tune, proving that she is slated for a promising career in her genre of choice, R&B/Country Music.

The female powerhouse’s vocals soar on this inviting and captivating tune. “Miles” is a fun and nostalgic love song with imagery for days. After just one listen, you can truly picture Tiera and her lover on a road trip as they blast all their favorite songs and continue to fall in love with one another.

“You’re like a slow lane Sunday / You’re good for my soul / You’re taking me places / I never thought I could go / You’re my dashboard religion / Got my love on cruise control / Take me in any direction and it still feels like home”

About a minute and a half into the song, Breland brings his unique talent to the track. His sing/talk voice adds a much-needed layer and swagger to the already enticing song. Together, the two play off each other’s vocals and represent the couple the song is all about.

Tiera’s new song "Miles" featuring Breland is available everywhere now, February 12th

Tiera’s new song “Miles” featuring Breland is available everywhere now, February 12th

With just a few releases under her belt, Tiera is surely one to look out for. Her debut EP is slated to be released in just one month on March 12th. It is only a matter of time until all of country music falls in love with her. As for Breland, his single “My Truck” is already certified platinum! Country music better make room for these two rising talents!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Tiera and Breland releases.

To keep up with Tiera, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Keep up with BRELAND by following him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Miles” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Who Is Tiera? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

Releasing a brand new track today, newcomer Tiera spoke with NYCountry Swag about her backstory and her journey to Nashville. Learn more about her in the interview below.

Tiera

We have been early believers and proud supporters of Nicolle Galyon’s record label, Songs & Daughters since the very start. Championing women in country music and beyond is something that is close to our hearts, as a female-run business ourselves, that’s why teaming up with Galyon and Songs & Daughters for our 3rd Annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event earlier this year was so special to us.

Now, Songs & Daughters are introducing us to another rising female powerhouse, Tiera, and we are thrilled to get to know her in this week’s Swag Spotlight feature. Tiera is the flagship songwriter for Songs & Daughters, and also has new music coming out on her own including a brand new track released today, “Found It In You”. We loved every minute of our conversation with the blossoming singer-songwriter…

Growing up in Gardendale, Alabama, outside of Birmingham, Tiera recalls her family always being supportive of her dreams. She grew up in a household that encouraged exploration of interests, including modeling, dancing, and singing, but Tiera always returned back to music. “My parents really encouraged us to try everything until we figured out what we wanted to do, and I always just went back to music.”

After writing her first song in high school and teaching herself how to play guitar, Tiera had her heart set on attending Nashville’s Belmont University. However, as plans changed, she ended up attending the University of Northern Alabama for one year on a full-ride scholarship instead, before changing trajectories. “I’m really grateful for my time there,” she explained, “I spent a lot of time in the studio writing and recording. It was kind of where I learned how to write songs and figure out who I was at an artist.”

With that being said, it was there where Tiera really learned her craft as a songwriter. Channeling inspiration from fellow country singers like Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Carrie Underwood, she knew then, that her heart was in country music and Nashville was where she belonged. “I fell in love with country music and I realized that Nashville was the place to be if I wanted to do country music, so I would take trips up there with my parents, and I just loved it.”

After making numerous trips down to Music City to play shows at some local venues, Tiera finally convinced her supportive family to make the big move with her. “I had been traveling back and forth before I moved here, and I was really lucky that I knew a couple of people in town, from writers rounds and everything. I felt so at home here. […] Literally, the day I moved, I had a show, and I haven’t stopped since.”

In the last four years, the songstress has managed to be accepted by Nashville’s incredible all-female collective, Song Suffragettes, sign a published dealing with Songs & Daughters, and of course voice her own daily radio show on Apple Country Music called ‘The Tiera Show.’ “It’s crazy, it’s so crazy, I don’t think it caught up to me yet,” Tiera explained when talking about her success over the last few years.

Currently aside from being Songs & Daughters’ flagship songwriter, Tiera is focusing on releasing her own music. After several writes with her producer Cameron Bedell, she finally selected “Found It In You” as her newest single. “We wrote it at the beginning of last year,” she began, adding, “it was really fun writing that song because I didn’t know it was the start of a new chapter for me when we wrote it. I had been searching for my sound for the longest time. I remember he sent me the demo after that writing session, I was like whatever this is, that is exactly the direction I want to go with my music.” Tiera later referred to the song as her “song baby” and how proud she is to be releasing such an impactful and personal tune.

Fans can look forward to more new music from Tiera coming out later this year. She even hinted at an acoustic version of “Found It In You” coming up the pipeline sometime soon.  Moreover, fans can be sure to have music that speaks to who the singer is now as a person, which makes it extra special, “I feel like for the first time, I am able to release some music that is congruent to who I am as a person now.”

Whatever the case is, we are sure that Tiera is primed for much success in the industry, so make sure to keep her on your radar and on your playlists!

To keep up with Tiera, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Found It In You” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Singer-Songwriter Tiera Drops New Song, “Found It In You”

Tiera’s new single, “Found It In You” is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Songs & Daughters‘ Tiera released a new song, “Found It In You.” The brand new track is the perfect introduction, to who the songstress is as a singer-songwriter. After hustling in Nashville for what seems like forever, Tiera is finally getting the recognition and praise she deserves for her one of a kind talent.

“You’re the phone call picking up in the middle of the night / You’re the patience I don’t have when things ain’t right / You’re the ‘you can do it baby’ even when I don’t wanna try / My mama always said that really good love is just hard to find / But I found it in you”

The new song is one of those songs that is both a jam, yet sentimental. Although romantic and a love song at heart, it is a track that could easily be stripped down to acoustics and convey a different, yet equally impactful message. In our exclusive interview with Tiera, she shared how the song came to fruition, co-writing it with her producer Cameron Bedell.

Tiera Found It In You

Tiera “Found It In You”

“We wrote it at the beginning of last year,” she began, adding, “it was really fun writing that song because I didn’t know it was the start of a new chapter for me when we wrote it. I had been like searching for my sound for the longest time. I remember he [Bedell] sent me the demo after that writing session. I was like whatever this is, that is exactly the direction I want to go with my music.”

It’s safe to say that the singer-songwriter’s new song, “Found It In You” is a certified bop. It is story-telling at it’s best, but could truly interest fans across many different genres. Kudos to Tiera for releasing music that is authentic to who she is. We cannot wait for more!

To keep up with Tiera, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Found It In You” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook: