Tenille Townes has announced via her social media accounts that after 7 years she is no longer with her “Nashville label” as it was referred to in the video meaning Sony Nashville. The Grande Prairie singer has seen much success including her 5 straight CCMA Female Artist of the Year awards and is currently up for a record breaking 6th in a few weeks in Edmonton to add to her 15 total CCMA awards over those 5 years. Pre-pandemic Tenille had generated some success in the US but since 2020 the success in the states was harder to come by for the artist.
In the video a voice over from Townes said:
“My Nashville record label and I have parted ways. This is not a sob story, but a story of opportunity. We had a really good run and this is a big shift for me. We’ve been working together for over seven years, but we haven’t been seeing eye to eye on my music and my path and it’s creatively been a struggle waiting on green lights inside a corporate system that doesn’t make a lot of sense anymore,” she said. “I want the freedom to write and record a song and be able to get it to you guys, and making this decision means I can do that as I take back ownership of what I create. And that feels liberating and if I’m honest it also feels terrifying. Lots of fear but I’m doing it anyway and I’m excited to figure out what’s next on my own terms. So this is me as a newly independent artist and a work-in-progress human telling you I’m starting a new journey learning to bet on myself again and I hope you’ll come with me.”
It appears to be a story about the label radio friendly music vs the creativity of the artist.
Sony Nashville has not commented on Townes’ departure, but Sony has added Alli Walker and Tyler Joe Miller to the family in capacities.
I believe we all hope for the best and continued success of Tenille as she continues to represent the Peace Region proudly with her music and just as a person. She is hitting the road this fall including a show in Grande Prairie.
Here is a TikTok video of her making the announcement:
@tenilletownes Entering my freedom era… will you guys come with me? #independentartist
– Everett
