Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, recording artists entertain FFA members with exclusive concerts. This year, one of the opening acts was emerging country artist Tenille Townes. The Canadian native, who gained popularity with her song, “Somebody’s Daughter,” played before Brett Young and after, shared with FFA about her career and how to chase your dreams.
Q: How did you get started in country music?
A: My passion for music began at the age of 14 when my grandparents bought me a guitar. I started writing songs and playing for people in my hometown. I come from a small town, and they’ve just been so encouraging and supportive. I feel like growing up in that atmosphere helped me see that I could do anything in the world. I carry that spirit with me wherever I go.
Q: What does your career look like now?
A: I made the move to Nashville five years ago to chase my dream of becoming a country music star. I have released two singles to radio and opened for Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley and Brett Young. I think sometimes your passion picks you. I have had bunch of moments in the past year where I’ve wondered if this is real life. I’m so grateful to get to wake up and do the thing I love.
Q: This is your first experience with FFA. How is it?
I was blown away by meeting so many awesome kids after I played a few songs. I had such great conversations. Everybody’s so confident and so kind. You can just feel that there’s a lot of strong leaders, go-getters and dreamers in the whole organization.
Q: What advice would you give FFA members?
A: Keep showing up and do it because you love it. It’s not always easy. There’s definitely moments of doubt. You just keep doing the thing you love.
Other concert acts at the 2019 National FFA Convention & Expo were Old Dominion and their opener, Brandon Lay.
