161: Tiera

Thomas Mooney: INTRODUCTION Hey veryone, welcome back to New lang. I'm music journalist homas Mooney. And we're hutting down the week being oined by one of my favorite up nd coming singer songwriters ut there in the country world iera. She's released a handful f singles so far, but her fficial debut EP, it'll be oming out this next month. ometime in mid-March. I was ble to catch up with her just he other day to talk about oving to Nashville and getting igned to a publishing deal, orking and writing in the iddle of this pandemic, and how hat's just been another hurdle or her as she's really just rying to launch her career as n artist. Now I know some isteners here on New Slang, you ome for the grittier, more mericana style artists and ongwriters. Tierra is efinitely more so on the oppier side of country. There's hese sprinkles of soul and pop n there. But if there's one hing that I've tried to do with ew Slang and my writing and overage in general, that's been o show that there is great usic in all these various ockets of America. And there's lenty who are doing great hings underneath this country usic umbrella. I hope all of 'all have appreciated that bout New Slang. It's why I've ad artists like culture wall nd cam both on loose like I'm retty sure New Slang is the nly podcast you even do so. So eah. Of course this episode sn't about either of those two hough. It's about Tiera. Which ne of my big points and even aying all that is because while ou may not enjoy the bubbler or ore poppy production, I ncourage you to go listen to he acoustic version of "Fount t In You." You'll probably like hat version. The bones of her ongs are just so great. And I hink her vocal delivery is just ncredible. She just has such a romising voice as a songwriter. nd I think that at the end of he day, what I love is ongwriting, and I hope you do s well. So while some like pop ountry stuff may not be for ou, I hope that you at least ppreciate great songwriting. I ould be remiss if I didn't ention that she does have a new ingle coming out tomorrow. It s called "Miles" and it's with ellow country pop riser RELAND. So yeah, y'all check hat out as well. ADVERTISEMENT Today's resenting partner is our pals ver at Desert Door Texas Sotol. f you're asking yourself, what xactly Desert Door or a sotol s? Well, it's a premium, igh-quality spirit that is imilar to a tequila or mezcal, ut in my estimation, it's more efined, smooth, and fragrant. t has a distinct and intriguing alette that picks up on hints f vanilla and citrus while aintaining a healthy earthiness hat is quite enjoyable. One of y favorite features about esert Door is just how ersatile It really is. 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INTRODUCTION Be sure to check ut The Neon Eon, my 90s country ocus podcast. This week, Larry tewart of Restless Heart was my uest. The episodes are starting o pile up over there. So if you o like late 80s, 90s, and early 000s Country Music go check it ut. Guests so far have been lay Walker, Pam Tillis, retchen Peters, Porter Howell f Little Texas, Terry McBride, nd the aforementioned Larry tewart. It's out every ednesday. I guess I don't have oo much else to say here other han the usual. Go follow the ew Slang on all the social edia stuff. Check out the atreon and join for bonus ontent. Check out the merch tore. Everything is currently n sale. So yeah, go grab omething for yourself. Okay, et's get on into the interview ere is Tiera. Obviously like you've been releasing some singles these past few months but now like just here in a couple of weeks or in about a month, you're going to be having your first EP. And yeah, I mean, like, that has to be one of those things where you just kind of go "Okay, well, finally, here's like the, the thing I've been working for, you know, that's a little bit more of a, an industry standard at least." Can you? Yeah, just expand on like, what you're thinking about as far as? Yeah, getting all those songs together and collected. And here, here's my first quote unquote, official. Me. Tiera: Yeah, for sure. Um, well, it's been interesting. Like when I first started releasing singles, I formally released "Found It In You," I really had no idea that I would release an EP, but it just made sense because I feel like this set of music is really kind of like a reintroduction to people. And you know, it's a new sound, it's all kind of like r&b country is my jam. And I just, I just have like this pile of songs that I love. And I really wanted to put it all together in one collection. You know, like I said, as an introduction to people. So I'm really excited about it. Like, I've released an EP, like, some years ago, and it was like an acoustic EP. Really not good, like, embarrassed if anybody still has that EP. So I'm excited to be releasing this and for people to hear all the songs. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, one of the I find that like what I always love, just on a side note, there is like, when you know, an artist, they released that first EP, and then like, they end up like scrubbing it from the internet and hoping that no one finds it. Yeah, I always love those. Tiera: I have like a lot of songs that I've taken off the internet, because it's just embarrassing. Thomas Mooney: You're I feel like you're doing like all these little things. And like, obviously, you have like the Apple Music Show too, which is in a lot of ways, like a podcast, it's like you're a curated playlist at the same time. And like a radio show. Talk a little bit about like, what do you do to prep for something like that? Because obviously, like, you know, you're playing songs of your peers and people that are you sure that you've been listening to for a long time in all the aspects of curating something like that? Tiera: Yeah. I mean, I feel like when I first started, I never in a million years thought that I was, like, be hosting a radio show. But I feel like, I don't know, it's great, because I can be like a fan of other artists, but also still be an artist myself. And like, I definitely sneak some of my music in there from time to time, but it's just, it's so fun. Because it's really, there's really not a lot of prep that goes into it, I guess, because it's really just listening to music. And, you know, letting people know how I feel about that music, which is what I was doing before as as a fan, you know. So it's great, just like, also like getting to put my friends on a pedestal. One of my favorite things, every Tuesday, we like, like, share new artists that I'm loving. And a lot of them are my friends. So it's really fun to like, share their music with you know, with people that might not have heard it yet. And we record every single, every single morning and it's just like a great start to the day because I love music. And it's like the best job ever just getting to ramble on about music all day long. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, I was listening to that last show you did where you had a couple, of couple of the the songs that were done by the, like the Songwriters before Tiera: Yeah. Thomas Mooney: what's I feel like we're on the same wavelength on this because I guess it was like last week, I started making a playlist of just like all the like all these like old 90s country songs that were so like, when the Don Schlitz song came on. I was like, Oh, yeah, same thing. I absolutely love that stuff. Tiera: Yeah, no, it's so fun. And I feel like songwriters that are the heart of Nashville. You know, like, Don Schlitz was like one of the first people that I saw at The Bluebird. You know, he was playing "The Gambler" and like, it's just, it was so interesting. First of all, like seeing the audience's reaction from that, because I feel like if you're not in Nashville, sometimes you don't really think about the fact that there are other people behind the song besides the artists. And so, yeah, it's fun to kind of like shed a light on that and and the songwriters, because a lot of the times they're really like curating these artists' sound you know. So I love whenever I get to like share stories behind certain songs that people might not know about So yeah, I love that you love that episode that was that was really fun like putting that together and finding like the behind the scenes stories. Thomas Mooney: Yeah like the like with specifically with Don Schlitz. It's like, man, if you go back and just look at like the catalog of songs he's written, yes, like, Oh my god, how does one right? "The Gambler" and then also ike, "Forever and Ever, Amen." And like, "When You Say Nothing At All." Yeah, like, Tiera: Oh, yeah, no, it's, it's wild. And I think if I remember correctly, I think he wrote "Forever and Ever, Amen" like, shortly after he did "The Gambler," so it's just he's insane. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like, it's, it's, as you said, like, there's so many people where, I guess like, if you're just a common person, and it's no fault to you, if you're just like, that guy. Would that 40 hour week job with kids and stuff? Cuz you're not necessarily like looking at liner notes the same way as anyone really connected to the industry or if you're just like a music nerd. But Tiera: Exactly. Yeah. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, there's just so it's it's like the, I guess, the-I'm blanking on the the analogy here, but it's like the iceberg. You know, like, there's only so much that you see above the surface, and there's like, just so many people who are the players and the pickers and like the producers and like the songs, the songwriters, and just so many more people involved. Tiera: Exactly, exactly. Yeah. And that's why like, I feel like whenever whenever I release music, like I love to shed a light on all of the people that, in you know, had a part in creating that music because, you know, I'm out there, singing the songs and you know, for all of the songs on the EP like I was a part of writing those, but also had co-writers you know, and an amazing producer that helped pull all of it together. And you know, I think it's important to share the spotlight with them because it wouldn't be what it is without those people. Thomas Mooney: ADVERTISEMENT his episode of New Slang is rought to you by Hot Damn offee. Rolling in from the ills of Eastern Tennessee is ot Damn Coffee. It's a downhome ompany that rose single origin igh quality coffees from around he world. Their year round rows ome from certified farms in thiopia, Tanzania, and icaragua. Check out the Hot amn website over at Hot Dam dot offee. There you can find more nfo on their operation and oasting process and some elpful tips on how to brew the est cup of coffee. They ertainly made my mornings that uch better. And to be perfectly onest, I enjoy a nice cup of offee at all hours of the day. ome of my favorites have been he Tanzanian peaberry in medium oast and the medium roast of icaraguan with the honey rocess. While there, check out heir Hot Damn Coffee Club, hich is a monthly subscription ervice with the holiday season oming upon us. It's just really ind of the perfect gift. I on't care how difficult or easy person is to shop for, they'll lways be good with items like igh quality coffee. And of ourse right now, if you throw n the promo code SLANG in all aps, that's S L A N G, you'll et 20% off your order. And if ou're signing up for the coffee lub subscription service, hey'll take 20% off that first onth and also throw in a bonus ight ounce bag of their icaraguan coffee. Again, that LANG in all caps. Head over to ot Damn Coffee and sign up oday. Alright, let's get back o the episode. Yeah, and I think that's really interesting that you're talking about there too. Because, you know, as I said just a few minutes ago about how it feels like your personality and like your sense of your view of the world very, very much translates through in the song but you know, you do have those collaborators to help you kind of, you know, show you the way and like obviously not just show you the way, but like there's I'm assuming there's a part of them in those songs as well that they can go that's part of me right there. And that's, what does that been like as far as like finding the right people to to work with and to write with? Tiera: I feel like that's why I'm really excited about this EP is because it's all of my favorite people. All of my favorite co writers and my producer Cameron Bedell and he did all of the songs and it's it's, it's fun for all of us because you know, like you said because there is like a little piece of them and every single song. And I think it's just so much more fun, like celebrating all of the accomplishments that the songs get with, with my collaborators, you know? So, yeah, I don't know. It's It's fun, like not like every single writer on on the songs are people that I love and like, actual friends, you know, so it just makes everything so much more special. Thomas Mooney: Yeah. You know, like this year, obviously has been so different than any other year. What does that been like for you as far as writing as I'm sure like, you've had to, you know, navigate this world, just like any other songwriter in Nashville, as far as changing the way you're not necessarily writing but how you're writing with people? What is what's been this year been? Like, have you been able to, you know, co-write at the same the same way? Are you doing? Have you been doing Zoom calls and stuff like that? Or what? What's been your way of doing it? Tiera: Yeah, so I've been doing a lot of Zoom calls. Which has been interesting, because we actually started to like, we started doing Zoom calls, right when I signed my deal. So, you know, like signed publishing deal and then now I'm writing songs through my computer, instead of in person, really interesting. So it definitely was like, a shift learning how to do that. You know, it's not my favorite writing songs over Zoom because I feel like you just miss out on that in-person vibe. So I have I've been doing like a couple in-person writes with like, close friends. But it's kind of it's kind of like half and half. I definitely can't wait until we completely get out of Zoom and can rightfully in person again, because it was just nothing like being, being in the room with someone. And, you know, I feel like also the fun part of writing is the hang part, you know, catching up on life, and you don't really get that a whole lot with Zoom. It's kind of just like, write the song and then you're done. You know? So yeah, I can't wait till we get back to normal writing. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like that to me, it seems so it's just so strange because, you know, like, you just add that little bit of technology and then like, like we just had right there that phone call drop, like sometimes a little bit of a lag. Or there's just like, Oh, this is just so strange and weird. Tiera: Yeah, yeah. Well, also, like, it's the worst with writing too, because you, you can't like, sing over each other and because then no one can hear anything. And like, if someone who's playing guitar on one end, you can't sing with them because of the lag. So it's just, it's not the best, like very grateful for Zoom for like us being able to, you know, write from home and still be able to work, but there's just nothing like writing in person. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like, I think like with the, it's the same thing. Like, at the very beginning of this year, you saw like a lot of people playing Instagram shows and like, Facebook feed streams and stuff like that. And, like it was really, really cool for a little bit and then all of a sudden, it's like, Man, this I don't know, like, it feels all the same. And it doesn't it's definitely not like a live show setting. Like you just kind of, I don't know, like, it feels like for me whenever I go to a live show. That is like what I'm watching. And yeah, the live stream on it. It just can easily fade into the background. Tiera: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I mean, I remember when quarantine started and everybody was doing a live stream. Like and, you know, I feel like people are still kind of doing live streams now. But you know, there's there's just nothing like being in person and, and feeling, feeling the band, you know, and being up close to that. I don't think that will ever be replaced. I think it's nice that we've kind of figured out a way to keep that going in the meantime, but I know we're definitely all itching to be in the same room and and to celebrate music in the same room. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, of course like in saying all that. Like technology is so great because probably for you like as a songwriter like it's so easy to like, like a lot of songwriters, you have like your Notes app or like you have like little voice recordings that you can do to capture those little bits of inspiration. Is that is that you do is that like, I feel like a lot of like up and coming like or not I say up and coming. But like all young songwriters do this with a lot more than older songwriters. Tiera: Yeah, yeah, yeah, totally. Well, when you talking about like voice memos, I think the interesting thing about that is like, when we're in the room writing songs, like a lot of times we'll, like we'll record so we don't forget a melody. And, you know, sometimes you'll get like the talking in between. And I've actually gone back and listened to some of the voice memos from songs that I've released. And you can hear, like the progression of it getting to the melody of what it is, which is so cool, because I feel like fans don't really get to be in, you know, they're not in the room when we're writing the song. And so it's cool to kind of have that. I don't know, like documentation of the song being created. I love to, like, share those little moments, because I think as a fan, like, that's super cool to hear how songs made. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like, I think a lot of times we we all kind of just think of the the song being written down like or like the the creation of the song being like that, when you picked up the guitar, pick up the pen and pad started writing it and it was just like, bam, that's where that's how it comes. And, you know, of course, like, there are those moments where you're able to write that song in 15 minutes. You're able to, like, use that energy. But as you're saying, like, like you said, like it, there's so much that A goes into getting to that point to where like, the song starts turning in, like you're able to, like, I don't know, it's like, you start seeing that specific tree within that, you know, all within within the forest, I guess. Tiera: Yeah. And that's what I love about songwriting. Like, my favorite thing is just getting into the room and like not having an agenda and just, you know, I feel like some of the best songs are made when you're just sitting in the room talking about life, and somebody says something that inspires a song idea, you know, or a title. It's just like, those organic moments are, are so cool to me. And I've even I know, like, we've we've gotten, like, a verse into a song and just like completely switched gears and started writing a different song. And then like you said, there are some that you start writing and it takes like, 30 minutes, an hour to get out. I think that's also the beauty of songwriting is they all come different ways, you know? So, yeah, it's, I don't know, it's really beautiful. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like, I think that like when you get to that spot where it's about, like the process, that's where like the where like the magic is where you're not like writing in you're not walking into a room with thinking like the first priority is Oh, I gotta get a hit song written or you know, I'm saying? Like, I need to be on the radio because what I need like a radio song or I need--sometimes like just the the process of writing. Getting to that point where you're like, just writing for the sake of writing and then I feel like at some point like when you're doing that, like everything else will come. Tiera: Yeah, and I feel like when you go into the room like oh, I need to get ahead I need to get something that's like going to be great to be on the radio like you miss out on certain moments and you miss out on those of his honest moments and songs and I feel like even with you know my song being my sound being r&b country like I never I'm never like oh, this is too country. Is too R&B like. I just want the song to be what it is, you know, and you can always tweak, tweak production or lyrics after it's done, but I feel like you just need to get, get those emotions out and get those lyrics out exactly as they Thomas Mooney: ADVERTISMENT his episode of New Slang is need to be. rought to you by The Blue Light ive here in Lubbock, Texas. lue Light has undoubtedly been y home away from home over the ears, and has played such a ital role not only for my evelopment as a journalist, but bviously it's been one of the oundational pieces for a lot of our favorite songwriters and ands who have made it out of he Lubbock area over the years. nd of course, as a music venue, hey've played such a pivotal ole for a lot of your favorite ands just in general. One of my avorite parts about Blue Light s just how versatile the place an truly be. I've seen it rowded and rowdy on a Saturday ight for a rock and roll band. nd I've seen it dead still on a ednesday when a legendary inger songwriter rolls through own. What you should do is go ver to Blue Light Lubbock dot om And check out all the new erge. They've added hats, t hirts--both short and long leeve. They also have hoodies nd koozies and just added some weatshirts that are very much n homage to the college weatshirt that John Belushi ore an Animal House. And then f course, maybe the crown jewel f their new merge is the arsity club style jacket in lue satin. I got one the other ay. And yeah, it's just one of y favorite things I own now. nd yeah, I don't know. I just ove it anyway, you can check ut all their new merge over at lue Light Lubbock dot com. As lways, I'll throw a link into he show notes for easy access. kay, let's get back to the how. Like, right now I feel like it is a very exciting time in country music, in Americana, in r&b country. Where, at least right now. Like, clearly, there's been a bad, long storied history of, of gatekeeping. Both on like the, the men and women side and in like, minority side. Right now, though, like, it feels like there's a lot more dialogue happening where there's so many more exciting artists that are coming up right now. What is what's that kind of like, knowing that for a long time, you know, there was not a whole lot of, you know, African American singers in country music other than like, Charley Pride. What is it like now at least knowing that we're on that cusp of like, at least growth and acceptance and just letting like, anyone be in country because like, I don't know, like, I feel like there's a lot more elegant ways to put it. But like, because like, that's not necessarily important. Like a gatekeeping. Tiera: I mean, I think that at the end of the day, there is not one certain type of person that listens to country music. You have so many different people from different parts of the world that have different backgrounds that listen to country music, and I think I think that that's starting to be represented in country music and artists that are singing the songs. And, you know, it's not like, it's not like, we haven't always been here. I think it's just, we're, you know, there's finally representation in country music, and people are starting to see it be more diverse. And so that inspires people that have probably always loved country music and wanted to sing country music, or it would just, you know, they were just scared because they didn't see anybody that look like them singing country music. So I think it's beautiful that that people are like, having the courage to do what they want to do and sing country music. And I think it's beautiful that we're starting to see representation on, on all fronts in country usic, so yeah, I don't know. t's, it's beautiful. And it akes me happy seeing, you know, ll of these, all of these rtists that are now releasing ountry music, because that's hat they've always loved. And, ou know, that's what they grew p on. It's Yeah, it's just, t's just beautiful. And I hope, hope that we see more artists rom all different cultures come nto country music. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like, I just find like the, the idea of gatekeeping something like, like a genre just so exhausting. You know what I mean? Like, yeah. And, and like you said, like, there's so many great artists who are coming up who are that don't look like the the prototypical, you know, the, the country singer of from the 70s, or the 60s. But like they like, as you mentioned, like there's been, you know, plenty of songwriters and artists who have been around who played country, even if they weren't necessarily on Country radio or represented in Nashville. I kind of always think about how, you know, I'm mostly like a white guy. I, I'm part Mexican American, but for all intents and purposes, I'm like a white guy. And I absolutely love hip hop, and I love like, Tex-Mex. Yeah. And like, there's no one telling me that like, Hey, you couldn't you can't like that for you know what I mean? Like I grew up in West Texas, where there's like, no, hip hop scene, like there's not like there's not like this, like ingrained hip hop scene embedded in West Texas. So it's not about like where you're from either. Tiera: Yeah, I mean, it's, it's, it's just, I don't know, it's all just so Interesting. I think for a long time, like people just--there is like a stereotype of people that, you know, in front of this color, you listen to this type of type of song or this genre. But that's just not how it is. Like, if you like talking to anybody on the street and like ask them what kind of music they listen to you like it's people listen to all different kinds of music. Like, it doesn't matter what color you are, like, you don't have to listen to a specific type of music just because of where you're from, or what color you are. Like that just that's just wild to me. But, you know, I think, I think people are slowly but surely, coming around and realizing that that's just not the way the world is, like, people listen to all different kinds of music. And that is totally fine. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, also, like what I find so strange about it, too. And this is like, gonna be my last point on it is, like, you're on when it comes to like a fan base, like you're cutting out like potential fans. You know what I mean? Which is so backwards. Yeah. So I want to transition though, to this. And this is, I feel like a lot of up and coming songwriters, who are in that, I guess, like your Gen Z, but from like Gen Z to like millennials? And Tiera: I just say, Can I just say I, it breaks my heart that I'm like, technically Gen Z. I, I claim being a millennial, because I feel like it makes me sound so young like that I'm a Gen Z. So we're all I'll accept that because that's technically correct. But in my brain, I think that a millennial. Thomas Mooney: See, like, my favorite part of this is like that, like baby boomers, they think like Millennials are y'all and then it's like, now Millennials are like, way out of college, probably have kids and like, are like in their 30s. Like, no. But but I guess like, what I was gonna say was that, like an artist who was like, I find super underrated as a songwriter, and as a performing artist has been Taylor Swift. Like, she seems like such a important songwriter for a lot of young songwriters. And I feel like you, when you like, kind of, like, pick together like, or as you zoom out, if you will, a lot of people who are making music right now who are starting up, they can all they all like kind of point to like, Oh, you know, I remember Taylor Swift really being a huge inspiration, because she was, you know, a 16 year old girl playing guitar and writing her own songs. How, like, was that important for you as well? Like? Tiera: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, she definitely was like, the person that I looked at when I was writing songs. Like, I feel like she made songwriting cool. You know, and, and I think what Taylor has always been great at, from the very beginning, is connecting with her fans, and like, being a real person, you know, and writing about real stuff. Like, I mean, people, you know, people talk about how she talks about her, her boyfriends or ex boyfriends all the time. But like, literally everyone is like going through that, you know, and we want to hear songs about that. And I just think she had such a very, still has a very, like conversational and like, real way of writing songs that relate to so many different people. And like, I mean, she she literally, I feel like she's one of the few people that like, literally everyone knows who she is. Like, there's no way you haven't heard a Taylor Swift song, you know? So I think she definitely is like a was a huge influence when I started singing music and still is today because she has, like, continued to evolve her music. I mean, she has, like so many albums out, and they're all so different, you know, and she's, like, managed to stick around for so long and just like continue to build her fan base. So yeah, I mean, Taylor Swift is, like, definitely an influence for me. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, I think like, what's so amazing about Taylor is the just like the progression like, I think, yeah, people still, if you haven't listened to Taylor Swift in since like her first record, for some reason, they still have like that as the image of Taylor Swift. Um, you know, playing like, you know, Tim McGraw or like, you know, "Pictures to Burn" or something like that have this very like, yeah, you know, teenage girl. And it's like no like Taylor's like in her early 30s. And she's like writing records that sound like she's in her early 30s now. And like when she was 25, she put out like a record that sounded like she was 25 and so on. And I find like that, to be really kind of like the just the underrated aspect of her career has been just like, her ability to allow herself to grow as a songwriter as she's aged. Tiera: Yeah, I think that's a cool thing for fans too because we've grown up with her as well. And, and, you know, a lot of us are like, going through the same thing that she's going through. And that's like, translated through her music. I yeah, I don't know. It's it's like mind blowing to me how she like, continues to like, write amazing songs, and they're all so different, but like, speak directly to what a lot of the world is going through. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, and then like, also, you know, she, this past year released two records that were both kind of, quote unquote, surprise records. And, yeah, it's one of those things where I guess like, everyone is talks about, like, the Oh, there's so much music that's gonna be made out of quarantine that, you know, because everyone's just stuck at home writing yada, yada, yada. Which has been true, I guess, like, there's going to be that part. Only like someone like Taylor can--she's I guess got like, the, the infrastructure the ability is so big, like, she can just do that surprise record. And it actually be like what it's supposed to. Tiera: Yeah. Yeah. But also, the interesting thing about both of those records is like, she didn't write them specifically about her life. Like she literally made up stories and all of these songs. Like I think, I think that's like just the coolest thing. I've I don't really know what any artists it's done that I could be totally mistaken. But I just I think that's like a really cool take on songwriting. And also, I think that's like, just another testament to how she continues to evolve. You know, like, I don't know, it's a huge just literally from another planet. I feel like her brain is insane. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, so like, What are you? I'm gonna put you on the spot, like, are you Evermore or are you Folklore? Tiera: I am Evermore. I wish I think Hold on. Let me see which one that's because that's the one that the "Willow" right? Yes, "Willow," and "No Body, No Crime." I am a fan. I definitely listen to that one more than than Folklore. Like only she can do that. Like I definitely have like songs that I love off of Folklore. But yeah, Evermore, Evermore. It's my fave. And I don't even like how do you how do you release like two albums? And both of them have amazing songs on them. You know, like she very well could have released a second album and just like, be a flop. I mean, no, she probably couldn't. She's Taylor Swift. But like anybody else, like they could release two albums. And like only one of them is good. But like, there's so much good stuff on both of them. I just can't with her. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, It's one of those things where, like, just because we're so close together, right? Like you kind of go Yeah, a lot of times you're gonna go, Oh, well, this artist is doing this two record thing and they're, man, there's probably like one really great record in there if they just pick the 10 best songs or whatever. And kind of like just put relea ed songs like either as like , the the extended album, like n 10 years, like or somet ing. Yeah, the bootleg versi n, you know, whatever the case s. But like, yeah, this someh w she's, like, every one of th se songs is just strong enoug for a record. And I think lik my favorite part is like, the e's not like, I can probably pic out a few songs that are lik standout singles, but like, for the most part, like it just sou ds like a record. Tiera: Yeah, yeah. And I think also the interesting thing about both of these albums is that she wrote them all during quarantine. Like, and, like, I feel like what we've been in quarantine for, like, almost a year. That's sad. Um, but you know, like as songwriters, like we write so many songs and, you know, like, over the course of time, like only a couple of them really, really make it you know? And the fact that she like wrote all of these and that she has like so many good songs to pick from, that is also like mind blowing to me. And the fact that she writes a lot of these, like, by herself. I don't understand it. But you know, once again, like, that's, that's why like me and like so many other artists, that's why we look up to her because she just is that good. You know, it's not like he has like this whole. I mean, she does have a whole team around her, but like, at the core of it, like her songs are her, you know, like, she is such a big part of writing all of this music. Thomas Mooney: Yeah. And like, I think like, what's really cool, too, is that she's very conceptual as far as like, this kind of being like, especially with like, these last few records, you very much feel like the vibes of each of them. And she's done that in the past clearly with like, 1989 or like, what's the one where it's like the black and white cover? It's like, is it Reputation or something like that? Tiera: Oh, maybe. Thomas Mooney: I'm not like the biggest fan of that record. But like, I get like, like, it feels like a record that is very conceptual. Yeah, so like, it's still Tiera: Oh, yeah, yeah, Reputation. Yeah, yeah, you're right. Yeah, there was like a couple songs on that one that I love, but it wasn't like "Getaway Car" was definitely definitely my song. I love that one. But yeah, I agree with you. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, the I could talk about Taylor all day, but Tiera: Dude same. I freaking love her. Thomas Mooney: I just again, like I just think like, there's something and I say like for up and coming artists like you, like people your age, around your age. But I think for like someone like my age. This is gonna be like my hot take, but like, kind of like that artists that has been--if you're like 30, Taylor Swift is like the artists that tells--she's written I guess, like, she's been like, kind of like her catalog has been like the perfect catalog to understand like a 30 year old. Tiera: Yeah, yeah, that's true. That's true. Yeah, that's really interesting. That's, that's totally true. I can get that. Yeah. Thomas Mooney: Yeah. Actually, I'm going to be going over a little bit bigger hot take. It's, and it's because are connected, I think, but also because like they've been two my favorite. It's her and Kanye in this strange way. Tiera: Yeah, OK. Thomas Mooney: Their catalogs are, like, they just kind of like, I felt like the, they kind of represent like the average 30 year old in modern America. So Tiera: Yeah. It's really interesting. I'm gonna be honest, I don't listen to like a whole lot of Kanye, but I totally respect like, his artistry. And the fact that like, he is super transparent in his music. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like he's, I feel like he's, like, I don't know, the past few records, I've been kind of like, Oh my God, why are you doing this? And then also, like, it's, it is the transparency but it's also like, you know, I don't know, like, I feel like there's something there's, I feel like there's a lot of other issues going on in his life we're not privy to and that we don't necessarily need to be privy to but it doesn't help us image. But like, yeah, those first few Kanye records are just, the production is just incredible. I don't know. It's Yeah. Yeah, I was gonna, like, ended on this. And this is like, the, when you first moved to Nashville, you know, your, your, I don't know. Like, I went through and like watched a lot of your YouTube videos, like you play in songs and stuff like that you did like the Cam cover and stuff like that. You know, what, what is it? Like, I guess like, first moving to Nashville, where it is like a place that isn't too far from where you grew up. But it is also like that Emerald City, if you will, that place that you really want to go to? What was it like, I guess like first moving up there and like, you know, trying to find those connections. You're again, like you're trying to find that voice as your song as a songwriter. You're, you know, doing covers and like you're using those covers to like, figure out what you want to sound like, what was it like? I guess like, first moving up there and trying to find figure out what you're doing? Tiera: Yeah, well, I mean, before I moved to Nashville, was I took trips back and forth with my family, and I I would just write with anybody that I could and play any show that I could. And I mean, it was really helpful connecting with people, you know, playing like writers rounds and open mics and stuff like that. I really got to meet a lot of people. And so I was able to, like, kind of build a community before I moved, before I moved here. And I think that made a lot easier when I got up here, like, you know, already knowing people, and I just am so thankful to know, the people that I did, because, you know, there were, there were like publishers and writers in town that would introduce me to anybody that they could, you know, and they're a huge part of, of the success that I had. And have right now, because I feel like, I feel like a big thing in Nashville, like, it's, it's all about community, you know? Like, at the end of the day, it's like, one big family, maybe a little dysfunctional at times, but it's like, it's one big family. And it really helps to have people champion, champion, I can't say the word, it really helps to have people championing you. And, you know, I've definitely had those people and so have those people that look out for me and help me get opportunities. So yeah, I mean, I definitely wouldn't have been able to do what I did and get get my publishing deal and play certain shows, if it hadn't been for the people that believed that me believed in me from the very beginning. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, you know, you mentioned like, the, like, that EP that you did before, and that you took down and I guess, like, that's part of the process of figuring out what your sound was. Did you? Do you remember specifically, like when there was like that turn to like, where you're like, Oh, this is the, the style I want to do. This is the these are the songs, like, for example, like, is there, Like what was like the earliest of the songs that are on this EP that you wrote? Tiera: Um, so like, the first song that I wrote that was Yeah. So that would be "Found It In You." That was like the very first song that I wrote that's in the new vein of my sound. And that's why it's my favorite song that I've ever written. That will I read that one was Cameron. Cameron Bedell, who's also now my producer. And, yeah, I mean, that really started everything for me. Because I feel like I was searching for my sound for a long time and then we wrote that song. And it actually wasn't until until I got the demo back and was listening to it in my car. And I was like, hold on, like, this is this is exactly what I want my sound to be. This is exactly what I had been looking for for the longest time. And I yeah, I feel like it just kind of, like took off from there, from that song. So that was "Found It In You" definitely the beginning of it all for me. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, there's something about like, playing music in a car specifically that like if it when it's right, in the car, like it usually is right no matter where. Tiera: Yes! Thomas Mooney: I feel like, obviously, I'm not a recording artist. But, you know, I'm privy sometimes to music before it's released. And I always like, love whenever I'm listening to it in the vehicle and then kind of being like, man, like, the, the person next to me, doesn't know I'm listening to this new record. And they probably would love it even though I don't know if they would. I bet like there's something to that to like even though it's you listening to yourself? Tiera: Yeah, I mean, I definitely listened to all of my demos in the car like a million times over. Because like that, you're right, like that isn't the true test if the song is good or not. So whenever I get a demo back like I am jamming it in the car all the time. Thomas Mooney: Yeah. You mentioned being championed by some some other contemporaries and songwriters and people like that. You have like that Shania Twain connection. That must feel you know, surreal. Tiera: I mean, just a little bit. I mean, that that was crazy for sure. Like I there are videos of me like singing her songs like in my bedroom like with I just had like a webcam at the time. So it's like really crappy quality. And to go from that to singing in front of her and like having her voice support my music that means the world because she's obviously a superstar and Everybody loves Shania. So to have that, like, close of a connection to her, is like, so amazing and, and also, like, just recently Kelsea Ballerini and Carly Pierce tweeted about my song, "Shut it Down" and that also just meant the world to me because I literally like, I would watch the videos of them singing like before I moved to Nashville. And this was like when they were up and coming too. And so like to go from that, to them also, like, being a champion of me is also just surreal. Like, I can't even wrap my brain around it. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, like the Shania, man. Like, I think that's one of those things, too, where a lot of ways, it goes back to like the Taylor Swift thing, because I think like people don't realize like Shania wrote, like, I think, especially like those big three records from like, the 90s, or like, the 90s, and Up, I guess is like 2004 or something like that. But, you know, she wrote like, 90% of those songs. So yeah, you know, she is often viewed as like, you know, a performer or something like that, but it's very much the songwriter, too. So Tiera: Yeah. Thomas Mooney: I can't remember one of my buddies sent me a meme earlier, or, like, I guess it was like, just maybe a screenshot of somebody saying this and it was you know, anytime I hear Shania Twain say, let's go girls, I can like a door open. I just want to like burst through the wall. Tiera: That's totally the feeling though. Like, yeah, that's amazing. I've seen so many of those meme all around I like crack up every time. Thomas Mooney: Yeah. What actually like well, it's kind of something funny that I wanted to touch on and end on on this one actually, is that you just said was how you remember playing or singing along dish in between songs to like, with like a webcam. If the pandemic happened, like back then we wouldn't have like any of these live shows, like the audio quality on any of this stuff would have been so bad. I don't know. But just like a few years back, like it would have been so much worse. Tiera: Yeah, dude, I can't even imagine. Like, the quality is is so bad. Like I went back in and watch some of those videos. And I'm like, embarrassed but obviously wasn't embarrassed at the time because that was like the best quality of the time but like, I'm like this would not cut it today. People would be like, sis you need to get that fixed. Yeah, so very thankful for advancements in technology. Thomas Mooney: Yeah, well, um, yeah, it's been really great talking with you today. Tiera: You too. This has been so much fun. Thomas Mooney: Well, thank you for taking some time and yeah, I'm excited for you to have this first EP coming out here in about a month. Tiera: Thank you! Thomas Mooney: Alright, that is it for this one. Be sure to check out "Miles" the newest single from Tiera out tomorrow. Go like, subscribe, and so on. Check out The Neon Eon if you haven't just yet. Go check out our partners over at Desert Door, The Blue Light Live, and Hot Damn Coffee. Go buy stuff from them. Check out the merch store and the Patreon. And yeah, I'll see y'all next week for more episodes.