Tezza
Interview conducted on September 01, 2020
By Dan Locke
Tezza – Pop country with a Northeastern flare
What is your upbringing?
I was born and raised in a small town in upstate New York. My family owned a local ice cream shop and I loved riding horses
How did you discover music?
I’ve always loved music even as a little girl, I used to make up songs to sing to my little sister when she was just a baby. But it wasn’t until later that I started performing and writing songs
In the beginning, you did some music contests like Hawk Hitmaker. Which at the time you did your version of The Band Perry- Better Dig Two? Can you tell me what it was like?
Doing local music contests was a great way for me to start getting out and performing. It was a great experience and I learned a lot from them!
What happened to your little group Shawn and Tessa?
Shawn is still a dear friend of mine and we stay in touch quite often. At the time we were both leaving for college but would come back and play shows together when we were both back in town during the summer.
How did you start to write music?
I actually started to write my own songs in high school. It’s funny, but before that, the thought that I could actually write my own music instead of singing other artists songs hadn’t really even occurred to me
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
Well funny story, my “first” guitar was technically an “air guitar” that my mom wrapped up and had me open one Christmas haha So safe to say I’ll always have that one with me!
What is your favorite guitar now? Make, model and year? And does it have a name?
I’m currently playing a beautiful Taylor that my mom bought and surprised me with for Christmas a few years back
What was your first performance like?
I can’t really remember my very first performance but one of my most memorable performances was when I was younger, they called my name and handed over an oversized $500 check with my name written on it! I had entered the Country Showdown contest and couldn’t believe I won!
What makes a good songwriter?
Honestly, hard work, persistence
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
“You and Me”, very original I know haha and yes, I have a recording of it somewhere back at my mom’s house on a cd I’m sure! D
How did you start the band?
When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to start a band so I asked a few guys I knew in town that were also musicians. At the time, none of the players I asked wanted to play country so, believe it or not, the first band I was ever in was a female fronted rock band! Eventually I was able to convince them to start playing some country and we would tour all across NY playing fairs, festivals, events, and local bars!
How did you come up with your name?
Just did a bit of rebrand and decided to just go by Tezza. Simple, short, and easy to spell!
How was it to open up for Hunter Hayes and Grange Smith?
Incredible! There is nothing like the feeling of walking out on stage in front of a sea of people excited and ready to hear a whole night full of music.
Did they teach you anything about the music business you would like to share with our readers?
Live performance is so important. Both Granger and Hunter are amazing front men and know how to keep an audience on the edges of their seats
How was it to meet Dolly Parton?
Dolly was a sweet as could be! I can only hope to be as fabulous as Dolly Parton one day
How was CMA Festival?
Performing at CMA Fest is something I look forward to every year! It’s such a fun festival and everyone there loves country music as much as I do. Such a great crowd, so much fun to play to!
Your new release “Mercury Rising” comes out on August 28, 2020. Tell me about it?
Yes, my new single Mercury Rising is now available everywhere! It has a fun futuristic / space theme and is sure to get you tapping along. Make sure to give it a listen!
3 months ago, you released “Around the Truth” Which had a different feel than “Mercury Rising”. Why was that?
Just a different type of song. I try to make each song unique but at the same time feel cohesive as a group so we used all the same instruments just in different ways.
What is your favorite track on the album?
Mercury Rising
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Lots of sleep and try to eat healthy
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Of course, it has its perks and downfalls but I think it’s great that literally anyone anywhere can find, discover, and listen to the music I put out!
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital since I don’t have a record player hah
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you? “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin – just always loved that song
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Gave me time to get everything set and ready to release this new music! Had to do things a bit differently because of the pandemic but forced me to get a little extra creative and I’m really happy with the way everything came out! Get ready for a quarantine “Mercury Rising” official music video!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Got back into customizing and designing clothes
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I’m not gonna lie I fell into the black hole that is known as “90 Day Fiancé” LOVE THAT SHOW!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
I have been and plan to continue doing live stream shows, zoom and email interviews, call in radio chats, skype podcast recordings. It’s been kind of nice, half the time I don’t even need to leave my own kitchen.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home. Which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music, and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
Sure, why not! Just because artists can’t be out playing doesn’t mean their fans don’t want to see them.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
I think it will temporarily put large concerts and festivals on hold but they will come back just as strong as ever once things are safe. It just may take some time
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Sounds pretty cool to me!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Continuing to build my brand, release music, and follow my dream
Anything you would like to say in closing.
The official music video for “Mercury Rising” will be released in just a few weeks. Be sure to follow me on social media to find out the exact release date. You won’t want to miss it! Instagram: @the.tezza
And you can find my music on all streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes, Pandora, Youtube…all under “Tezza”
You must be logged in to post a comment.